A big advantage in the middle two quarters helped Union County’s girls dispatch Caldwell County 63-51 on Thursday.
The visiting Lady Tigers played the Bravettes to a 16-16 draw in the first quarter.
But Union used a 15-7 advantage in the second period to get to halftime with a 31-23 lead.
Union then outscored Caldwell 21-13 in the third quarter to go up 52-36.
Together, the Bravettes held a 36-20 margin over the second and third periods, more than enough for Union to claim the 12-point victory.
Union senior Paige Steward hit five 3-pointers and finished the night with 27 points to lead all scorers. Dana Curry added 16 points for the Bravettes.
Tink Clark had a big game for Caldwell with 23 points. The Lady Tigers also got 14 from Brylee Butts.
Caldwell has gone a decade without a win over Union. The Bravettes own a nine-game winning streak in the series. The Lady Tigers’ last win came in January of 2015.
The Bravettes lead the all-time series between the two schools 34-21.
Caldwell’s girls will be right back in action Friday night when they host Webster County at the CAB gym.
Caldwell County 16 7 13 15 — 51
Union County 16 15 21 11 — 63
Caldwell County (10-13)—Clark 23, Butts 14, M. Thomas 6, McCoy 3, Watson 2, Aikins 2, Williams 1.
Union County (15-9)—Steward 27, Curry 16, Mendoza 6, Davis 5, Bell 5, Tamayo 2, Nicolas 2.
