Andalusia defeated Clarke County 51-46 Thursday night in the first round of the girls Class 4A, Area 3 tournament at Thomasville High School.

“We played hard defense and the girls did a good job of rebounding (Thursday night),” Andalusia coach Bennie Shellhouse said.

Andalusia and Clarke County kept it close throughout the game. Clarke County led 11-9 after the first quarter, but Andalusia rallied in the second, putting up 17 points compared to Clarke County’s 14 to lead 26-25 at the break.

Andalusia and Clarke County put up 11 points each in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Andalusia rallied again and outscored Clarke County 14-10 to get the win.

Alexis Horton led Andalusia with 17 points. Seniors Amber Anderson and Erica King also led in scoring. Anderson had 14 and King added 11.

“Amber and Erica played real well for us,” Shellhouse said.

Andalusia will play Thomasville in the area tournament championship game Saturday night at 7.