If East Davidson could ever get over its first quarter funk against Salisbury, they might have a shot at taking out the top team in the state.

Like it has in two previous meetings with the Hornets, the Lady Golden Eagles fell behind by double digits Friday in the Central Carolina Conference finals at Thomasville, which led to a 63-40 loss.

East played with Salisbury for the last three quarters scoring 38 points to the Hornets’ 42, but the first quarter was the one that did in the Lady Eagles.

Salisbury played physical and used its significant height advantage, racing to a 19-0 start and leading 22-2 after the first eight minutes.

“I think the girls were ready, but for whatever reason things were not falling our way,” said East coach Brian Eddinger. “I wish I had a good explanation because I would have stopped it sooner.”

Down 25-7, East put together a little something with Taylor Hallman hitting a 3-pointer and Chelsea Turner scoring in the post, but Salisbury would respond by leading 31-14 at the half.

East did compete much better in the second half, but never had that big run in them to put pressure on the Hornets.

Salisbury maintained a 48-26 lead through three quarters, then dropped the hammer to nail down the conference tournament championship.

East’s Stacy Hicks had just dropped in a 3 to make it 49-29, but a 8-0 Salisbury run left the Eagles tired and with little hope.

“I am proud the girls played hard the last three quarters and never gave up,” Eddinger said. “A lot of teams would have given in but they fought the entire way.”

Candace Fox battled for 16 points to lead East. Bubbles Phifer led the Hornets with 11 points and Ayana Holmes added 10.

East, the No. 2 seed out of the CCC will host Lincolnton on Monday at 7 p.m. in the first round of the NCHSAA state playoffs.

Notes: Thomasville won a seeding game over Central Davidson Friday to earn the No. 3 seed out of the CCC.

Sports Editor Zach Kepley can be reached at 888-3631, or at kepley@tvilletimes.com.