FAIRHOPE, Alabama—A tough defensive battle led to a low-scoring 19-19 tie with a minute, 17 seconds to go in regulation between visiting Daphne at Fairhope High Tuesday night.

But a rebound put-back basket by DHS senior Kirsten Henton put the Lady Trojans ahead for good to close out the 6A Area 3 schedule with a 26-19 road win.

The Lady Pirates had rallied from a 17-12 deficit to start the final period and tied the score at 19 with 2:14 showing. Daphne led 13-6 at the half.

Teira Green scored 11 for Daphne, Henton added seven and Brinesha Mason five. The Lady Trojans were 7-of-13 at the free-throw line.

The Lady Pirates were led by Imani Kirksey with seven and Kayla Dailey’s five. Fairhope was 6-for-9 at the line.

The league victory locks DHS into the second seed behind regular-season winner Baldwin County High which will host the Area 3 girls tournament next week. The Lady Pirates will take a 2-6 record into the five-team tournament as will Foley. Robertsdale will be the third seed with a 3-5 area mark.

Girls area tournaments begin Monday. Tip-off times were not set for first-round play as of this writing.