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ROCKY MOUNT – Ridgecroft turned up its defensive pressure in the fourth quarter, limiting their hosts to just one successful basket, and rallied for a 53-44 win in varsity girls basketball action here Thursday night.

The win was the ninth straight to start the season for the Lady Rams.

Ridgecroft trailed 41-38 entering the fourth quarter. Senior standout Makenzie Slaughter took over at that point as she scored eight of her team’s 15 points over the final eight minutes of action.

The Lady Rams were able to seal the win from the charity stripe, connecting on 7-of-9 free throws down the stretch.

Slaughter led the way with 19 points. Klaire Cherry (12 points) and Kate Chamblee (10) also scored in double digits for the Lady Rams. Eight of Chamblee’s points came in the first quarter, an effort that allowed Ridgecroft to build a 16-13 lead.

Taylor Carmichael scored a game high 22 points to lead Rocky Mount Academy.