Tiger pride wouldnt let the Lady Tigers basketball team lose the battle in them when they travelled to Pickens County Nov. 19 and defeated the Lady Dragons 72-68 in a thrilling triple overtime game to start their regular season.

Both teams fought hard and found themselves tied 53-53 at the end of regulation. The Lady Tigers proceeded to keep the fire alive through the first two overtimes with the Lady Dragons keeping pace and forcing a third overtime.

It was in the third overtime that the Lady Tigers got the ball into the hands of sophomore wing Karlie Bearden. Bearden was fouled and with time running out she went to the foul line with her team up by two to put the game out of reach for Pickens. Bearden would hit both free throws giving the Lady Tigers a four point lead which would secure the victory for Dawson. The final score was 72-68.

What a way to start the season, said Steve Sweat, DCHSs head girls basketball coach. I am so proud at the way the girls kept battling.

Sheyenne Seabolt led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 24 points. Bearden, who hit the clutch free throws in the third overtime, had an impressive game racking up a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Ashley Parker contributed 12 points putting three Lady Tigers in double digit scoring.

The triple overtime victory may not have been the way the Lady Tigers wanted to start the season, but they are excited about the result.

It is always good to open up with a win, Sweat said. No matter how you have to get it.

The Lady Tigers (1-0) will host Fannin County Tuesday Dec. 3. Tip off is at 4:15 p.m.