WILLOW WOOD, Ohio — A fast start led to the Lady Rebels third consecutive victory.

The South Gallia girls basketball team scored 37 first half points en route to a 57-48 non-conference victory over Symmes Valley Saturday in Lawrence County.

The Lady Rebels (15-4) out scored SVHS (7-11) by four points in the opening period to grab the early momentum. SGHS expanded its lead to double-digits with a 20-to-9 run in the second quarter. South Gallia led 37-22 at the midway point.

The Lady Vikings were held to just six points in the third period, while SGHS scored 12 and led by 21 with eight minutes remaining. SVHS scored 20 points in the fourth period but South Gallia scored eight to seal off the 57-48 triumph.

Junior Rachel Johnson led the victors with 17 points, followed by senior Meghan Caldwell with 14. Mikayla Poling chipped in with nine points, while Ellie Bostic added eight. Lesley Small made the game’s lone three-pointer while scoring five points, and Jasmyne Johnson rounded out the SGHS scoring with four points. The Lady Rebels shot 12-of-21 from the free throw line for 57.1 percent.

Taylor Michael led Symmes Valley with 15 points, followed by Kalli Hurt with 13 and Gracie Waddell with six. Kayla Hayes and Megan Johnson each notched four points, while Malenna Davis, Merranda Hayes and Sarah Crabtree each finished with two points. The Lady Vikings shot 8-of-17 from the line, equaling 47.1 percent.

The Lady Rebels also defeated Symmes Valley on December 22nd in Mercerville by a count of 51-36.South Gallia has now won three consecutive games, while improving to 5-1 in non-league games.