An early first quarter surge gave the Emery Lady Spartans a lead they would never give up as they defeated the No. 2 ranked Richfield Wildcats 46-34 Thursday night on the road.

Playing for the first time since Dec. 22, the Lady Spartans were dominant from the beginning. Carrying a 19-5 lead into the second quarter, the advantage grew to 31-12 by the break. While Richfield became more competitive in the second half, it was too late as Emery moved to 4-3 on the season and 1-0 in league play.

Junior Tambrie Tuttle poured in a season-high 24 points to lift the Lady Spartans in the win. Shooting 7-17 from the field, Tuttle knocked down four shots from beyond the arc. Adding to her solid evening, Tuttle gathered four rebounds and one steal.

Addie Lester added a second punch to the Emery offense as she finished with 10 points on an efficient 5-8 shooting. Daicee Ungerman ended with five points, while both Baylee Jacobson and Brynn Gordon scored three.

Nicole Willardson and Rebecca Poulsen each scored 11 to lead Richfield despite the loss. The Wildcats were held under double-figures in three of the four quarters throughout the game.

Following Thursday’s win Emery climbed two spots in the RPI to No. 5. Richfield dropped one spot to No. 3.

Emery will now take a full week off before returning to the court Thursday to meet the Carbon Lady Dinos in Price. Live coverage of the contest will air on KOAL 107.3 FM, 750 AM and KRPX 95.3 The Peak beginning at 6:30 p.m..