Fourth quarter fatigue proved too much for the Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots on Wednesday as they fell 45-40 to Fort Dale in the opening round of area play.

“It was the same story,” said Patriots head coach Robert Hawkins. “Once again we weren’t able to hold on to a lead. I think a lot of it was we had a lack of depth in key positions. We are getting so tired in the fourth quarter that we dwindle away.”

The Patriots held an eight-point lead at 16-8 heading into the second quarter.

The Eagles closed the gap in the second quarter and trimmed the deficit down to two points at 24-22 heading into halftime.

The second half started with the Lady Patriots the same way the second quarter ended. Both teams traded baskets the entire third quarter and the Patriots took a 33-30 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Eagles were able to knock down key shots.

“I would blame it on me not getting them into shape and not substituting enough,” Hawkins said. “I haven’t been giving them enough rest early in the game.”

The Patriots hadn’t played a basketball game since Dec. 19.

“We were a little (rusty),” Hawkins said. “The team that we played, played five games over Christmas. That’s just the way it is. We were rusty, but it was us just not us in the game running.”

With the loss the Patriots fall to 0-1 in the area and 7-5 overall. Lauren Johnson led all scorers with 17 points and also finishing with 10 rebounds giving her a double-double on the night. Regine Parker added 14 points, while Mya Terry finished with six.

The Lady Patriots will be back in action later this afternoon when they host South Montgomery at approximately 5:30 p.m.