The Lady Tigers of Dawson Co. jumped out to a big lead early but had to fight back late to earn the first Region 7-AAA win of the season against Fannin Co., 54-49, Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Dawsonville.

Dawson Co. (4-3, 1-0) took a 16-8 lead after the first quarter, but the Lady Rebels (4-1, 0-1) came storming back and trailed by just three points, 24-21, heading into halftime.

Fannin Co. continued to push the Lady Tigers in the third quarter and took a 36-35 lead into the fourth.

But Dawson Co. would not be denied in the first home region game of the season, outscoring the visiting Lady Rebels 19-13 in the period to earn the victory.

Senior point guard Sophia D’Oliveira had a team-high 15 points in the win, including eight in the first quarter.

In the pivotal fourth quarter, senior Marlie Townley and junior Mariah Benson took over for the Lady Tigers.

Townley scored eight of her 12 points in the period, while Benson scored four of her nine points.

Kirklyn Porter continued a hot start to her freshman season, scoring eight points in the game, while sophomore Avery Herring added four.

Juniors Madison Anglin and Isabella Henson scored three points each in the win for Dawson Co.

Up next, the Lady Tigers visit Norcross for a game with defending Region 7-AAA champion Greater Atlanta Christian (2-6). That game is set to tip-off at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6.