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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo Bulldogs secured a crucial win in area play by beating the visiting West Blocton Tigers 46-27 on Thursday, Jan. 4.

Tristan Stoutermire continued to be a force on both ends of the floor as she led the way with 22 points in the Bulldogs win.

She had four field goals to open the game as Montevallo scored 10 points in the first quarter, but West Blocton responded with nine to make it a one-point game after eight minutes of play.

However, the Tigers couldn’t replicate their shooting form in the second quarter, scoring just two more points before halftime when faced with the Bulldogs defense.

Montevallo scored 12 points to take advantage of the opportunity and extend its lead. Stoutermire had another eight-point quarter to give her 16 points for the first half and the Bulldogs a double-digit lead at halftime.

With a 22-11 lead at the start of the third, Montevallo cruised from there as its defense continued to force missed shots from West Blocton.

The Bulldogs jumped out after the break and scored quickly and eventually outscored the Tigers 8-5 in the third to increase their advantage to 14.

From there, Montevallo piled on 10 more points in the early part of the fourth quarter and ran out the clock to secure the 19-point victory.

In addition to Stoutermire’s 22 points, Zabdy Perez scored eight points and Destiny Burns and Cherish Eason each had four points apiece.

The Bulldogs will have a brief break from area play to face Pelham at the University of Montevallo on Monday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. before traveling to Holt the next day at the same time for their next area matchup.