The Fort Dale Academy Lady Eagles defended the home nest in convincing fashion Monday in their season opener against Escambia Academy with a 49-28 win.

The paint was a no-fly zone for much of the first half, thanks in large part to the wingspan of center Lucy Bates.  A handful of swatted shot attempts dissuaded much of Escambia’s inside offense in the first quarter, limiting the Eagles’ opponent to a single first-quarter bucket.

Meanwhile, Fort Dale’s fast-break offense generated off blocks allowed speedsters Anna Blake Langford and Cahley Acreman to dictate the pace with aggressive attacks to the basket in the second quarter, building up Escambia’s foul count and Fort Dale’s lead in the process. And thus a 5-point first-quarter lead grew to 12 at the half.

Bates opened the second half with a soft outside touch for an easy bucket, and then a putback to extend Fort Dale’s lead to 15.

Langford delivered perhaps the final nails in Escambia Academy’s coffin with a steal and layup followed by a 3-pointer to extend the Lady Eagles’ lead to 20.

Though Escambia won the fourth quarter narrowly, the Lady Eagles’ deep bench and young talent, most notably Acreman’s capable passing and dribbling skills, buoyed the Lady Eagles’ considerable lead to hold on to a 21-point win.

Bates led the Lady Eagles with 12 points, followed by Anna Blake Langford and Bailey Coker with 7 points and 6 points respectively.

The Lady Eagles traveled to Sparta Academy for their second game of the season Tuesday, though results were unavailable at press time.

The Lady Eagles will return home Monday, Nov. 27 for a face-off with Lowndes Academy.