The Harrells Christian Academy varsity girls got another sound road win Tuesday night, defeating rival Cape Fear Academy 53-28.

The Lady Crusaders got off to a slow start, but soon found their footing.

In the first quarter, Cape Fear had the HCA girls on the ropes, taking a 8-6 lead. But the Lady Crusaders got the hot hand by the opening of the second period and went on a 16-4 run to head into the break up 22-12.

With time to catch their breath and a chance to get even more fired up, Harrells returned to the court with a strong defensive showing, holding their opponents to only 7 points in the frame while capitalizing on offense by adding another 22 points to their score. By quarter’s end, the Lady Crusaders had a commanding 44-19 lead.

The fourth saw the two teams tied, but Cape Fear couldn’t muster the offensive effort to rack up the needed points to defeat the visitors.

HCA’s Regan Murphy lead scoring with 28 points. She also had 5 rebounds and 3 steals on the evening.

Also scoring for Harrells was Margaret Clark, 12 points, 4 rebounds, 7 steals; Chloe Campbell, 4 points; Bucky Everette, 4 points, 1 rebound and 4 steals; Emily Benton, 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks and 1 assist; Anna Huff, 2 points; and Haylee Parks, 1 point.

The win moves the Lady Crusader record to 12-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

They travel to Fayetteville Academy Friday.