The Dawson County varsity Lady Tigers maintained a lead for three quarters, but just couldn’t hang on as the team dropped its fifth straight game with a 68-50 loss to Union County last Friday night in Blairsville.

Head Coach Steve Sweat’s team shot the ball, rebounded and scored at will for three quarters and took a 44-40 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, it was a different story, as Lady Panther Angie Hughes used her tall body to score around the basket at will.

Hughes, daughter of Union County Coach Jim Hughes, and her teammates outscored the Lady Tigers in the fourth quarter 28-6 to secure the Region 8-AA win.

Hughes finished with a game-high 23 points.

It seemed a comfortable game until the final eight minutes.

Dawson controlled the first three quarters, and held leads of 16-12 after one, 28-22 at half, and 44-40 after three quarters.

The Lady Panthers began to pick up the pace offensively midway through the third quarter. Union outscored Dawson 46-22 in the final 11 minutes of the contest.

Morgan Bennett had a big night offensively for Sweat’s team. Bennett scored 13 points and did a great job of handling the basketball. Freshman Hannah Porter also scored in double digits with 11 points, on three, 3-point shots, and pulled down four rebounds.

Also contributing offensively were the trio of Carly Gilreath, Jessi Phillips and Allie Costley each with eight points apiece. Christian Daniel added two points.

The Lady Tigers are currently 10-9 on the season and 3-6 in Region 8-AA. Union also is 10-9, but are 4-4 in region play.

Dawson will play host to Rabun County this Friday. The game will also serve as Senior Night.

The Lady Wildcats are leading the region with a 22-1 record, their only loss coming against Fannin County. This will be the final game of the regular season before the region tournament starts next week.