Hartselle opens the Deline era with a 61-51 win at Athens

ATHENS — The Hartselle Lady Tigers opened the season with a 61-51 win over Athens in the first game for new head coach Amber Deline.

“I am proud of our effort and energy,” Deline said. “We have some things we need to work on, but this was a good start for us.”

Hartselle trailed 19-17 at the end of the first quarter but held the Lady Golden Eagles to six points in the second quarter to lead 32-25 at halftime. The Lady Tigers led 46-42 after the third before pulling away for the win.

Gracie Hill scored a team-high 22 points and five steals to lead Hartselle (1-0). Mary Frances Itsede added nine points and 14 rebounds, while Emma Roden and Anna Hampton Burroughs each finished with six points.