Lady Bulldogs drop first game to Lady Patriots

DECATUR — The Lady Bulldog varsity team took the court at PetersonOwens Fieldhouse Friday night for its season opener against the Fort Smith Lady Patriots in a nonconference contest. By the end of the 48-minute contest, the Lady Bulldogs found themselves with the first loss of the season.

The Lady Patriots struck first with a field goal just under 15 seconds into the first quarter. The Bulldogs answered a few seconds later with a two-pointer to tie the contest. The contest remained close for the first six minutes until the Decatur scoring drive went cold, allowing Fort Smith to pull ahead. A strong Lady Patriot defense held the Lady Bulldogs to under 10 points for the remainder of the contest.

When time expired, the Fort Smith Lady Patriots took the season-opening win over the Decatur Lady Bulldogs, 60-27.

Leading the Lady Bulldogs in double figures was Annabelle Bell with 18 points, followed by Heaven McGarrah with five. Jazmine Herrera and Anette Hernandez each had two points for the night.

The Decatur Lady Bulldogs will play host to several area basketball programs during the Decatur Invitational Basketball Tournament at PetersonOwens Fieldhouse, beginning Nov. 14 and running through Nov. 19.

Go to the Decatur School District website at decatursd.com for game times.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Annabelle Bell (14) puts up a jumper over the top of a Lady Patriot defender during the third quarter of the Decatur-Fort Smith basketball contest in Decatur Friday night. Bell led the way for the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points on the night.