Paced by Mallorie Collum's team-high 13 points, Adairsville picked up its play in the second half to beat the Lady Rebels, 47-35, and earn its first season-opening win since 2009.
First-year Lady Tigers coach Kent Howard expressed his pleasure with his team's play, particularly in the second half.
"I am excited about the win for the program, the school and the community," Howard said of Adairsville's 12-point victory.
The head coach, however, pointed out that his team -- which is comprised of six sophomores, six juniors and one senior -- still has plenty to improve on.
"I was displeased with the way we started the game. [We were] very sluggish," Howard said. "We need to be more aggressive offensively and less foul prone defensively."
Mallory Bramblett added to the Lady Tigers' point total, scoring eight, and Chelsi Riley chipped in with seven points to go along with nine rebounds.
Adairsville advances to play North Cobb Christian, an 82-20 winner over Pepperell on Monday night. The Lady Tigers' second-round game is scheduled to tip off Friday at 6 p.m. Adairsville defeated the Lady Eagles 32-30 the last time the two teams met, on Nov. 24, 2009 -- which marks the Lady Tigers' previous season-opening victory.