After suffering their first Region 12 loss of the season on Tuesday, the Emery Lady Spartans responded with a 52-34 win over the Richfield Wildcats, sweeping the season series in the process, Thursday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Needing a win to keep pace with the South Sevier Rams for the top spot in the region, Emery methodically pulled away from the Wildcats. Clinging to a 24-20 lead at the break, the Lady Spartans increased their lead by three heading into the fourth quarter, before eventually earning the double-digit win.

Tambrie Tuttle once again led the Lady Spartans as she scored a team-high 14 points. Tuttle also led the team in rebounds as she secured five to go along with one assist and one steal.

Senior Bethany Justice provided a spark for the Emery offense as she finished with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field. Daicee Ungerman scored all nine of her points from the three point line, while Addie Lester chipped in with seven.

Thursday’s meeting between Emery and Richfield marked the second of the season. The first took place on Jan. 7, which ended in similar fashion as the Lady Spartans cruised to a 46-34 victory on the road.

The result of Thursday’s game, mixed with a South Sevier win over Carbon, places Emery in a tie with the Rams for first place in Region 12. Now 5-1 in division play, the Lady Spartans’ lone loss came at the hands of South Sevier. The Rams’ lone defeat came by way of the Carbon Dinos on Jan. 7.

Emery will now take the rest of the week off before returning to the court on Tuesday with a lengthy road trip to meet the San Juan Broncos in Blanding. Emery won the first meeting at the Spartan Center 71-41 on Jan. 21.