By MICKEL PONTHIEUX / Sports Reporter

BIRMINGHAM – The Hope Christian Lady Eagles used an aggressive defense to set up their offense to take a 45-14 victory over First Assembly Christian School Dec. 10 at Samford University.

Hope Christian (5-2) took a commanding 14-0 lead in the first quarter while forcing seven steals. The Lady Eagles totaled 19 steals in the game.

“Our defense feeds our offense,” said Hope Christian head coach Mike Jones. “When we play good defense, we score – when we don’t, it’s hard. We have to play good defense.”

First Assembly picked up their first field goal seconds into the second quarter, but the Lady Eagles continued to pull away. Hope went on a 6-0 run to take a 24-6 lead at the half.

The Lady Eagles went on an 11-2 run to close the third quarter for a 37-10 lead to seal the win.

Karlee Tate led Hope Christian with 12 points and three steals. Christina Jones scored 10 points with four steals and two assists. Lindy Walker finished with eight points. Erin Douglas led the Lady Eagles with seven rebounds and five steals.