FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Fairhope hosted Spanish Fort in the Lady Pirates' season and home opener Tuesday taking a 36-34 win over the Lady Toros.

A 12-point scoring burst by FHS freshman Haley Melton in the second half helped the Pirates surge ahead for the final time midway into the final period. SFHS senior Elaine Wood finished with 16 points to lead the floor for the 2-1 Toros.

The Lady Pirates spotted the visiting Lady Toros an early lead of 10-4 after the first eight minutes. But Fairhope edged back to trail by three points 13-10 at the half.

FHS scored two unanswered buckets to take the lead 14-13 just 58 seconds into the second half. The score was tied at 16-16 and 18-18 before SFHS retook the lead and held a 25-24 advantage going into the final period.

But Sidney White hit a long two to put the Pirates up a point to open the last quarter. Wood hit a jumper on the other end for SF but it would be the last lead for the Toros 27-26 with 3:59 left in the game. Melton then drained a three from the top of the key to put the Pirates up for good. Lauren Davis and Wood helped SF pull back to within two points 36-34 with under a minute left, but could not make the tying or go-ahead shot.

FHS senior Imani Kirksey added 10 points, Melton's total was 14 and White finished with seven while sophomore Katie Brayer made some big plays on both boards for the Pirates all night.

Wood also had five blocks, three steals and three assists for Spanish Fort while Davis and Shannon Paaymans had five points each.

Fairhope will visit Gulf Shores for a 6 p.m. tip off Monday and travel to Bay Minette Nov. 27 for a 6 p.m., 6A Area 2 game with Baldwin County High. The Lady Toros are set to play Clarke County in the Lady Admiral Classic Monday at 4:30 p.m. at Bayside Academy. SFHS will host Robertsdale Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.