By HARVEY SIMPSON

Dispatch Sports Editor

AMERICUS — Surrendering identical points totals, Dooly County’s girls and boys basketball teams also experienced the same fate — defeat at the hands of Americus-Sumter— in their 2008-09 basketball openers.

Coach David Barron’s Lady Bobcats came out on the short end of a 66-45 score before coach Walter Brown’s Bobcats dropped a 66-49 decision. Both will swing back into action at home Friday at 7 p.m. against Lee County.

Lady Panthers 66, Dooly 45

Led by Amanda Cross’ eight-point first period, the Lady Rams bolted to a 26-10 lead after eight minutes of play and never let their guests battle their way back into contention. It was 34-20 at halftime and 51-28 at the three-quarter mark.

“The first quarter was our back-breaker,” Dooly scorekeeper Sharal Young said in reporting game results. “Their big girl (Cross) hurt us under the boards all night and their ability to fast break was another factor.”

Cross wound up with 21 points to top the Americus-Sumter scoring ledger that showed April Peeples with 16 points and Jasmine Solomon with 14. Eliza Bryant bagged 15 and Carneisha Glover sacked 10 for the Lady Bobcats.

Score by Quarters

Dooly County 10-10-8-17 — 45

Americus-Sumter 26-8-17-17 — 66

Scoring

Dooly County (45) – Careisha Glover 9, Jac’Keria Sanders 7, Miranda Burke 4, Carneisha Glover 10, Eliza Bryant 15, Tylicia Sanders.

Team totals: field goals 20; free throws 3 of 8 (37.5%); fouls 15; 3-pointers – Careisha Glover 1,. Sanders 1; fouled out – none