The Marist girls have become a familiar foe for the Rome Lady Wolves over recent years.

But when a team is undefeated in January, even the non-region games tend to get an extra purpose added to them.

So with sophomore Summer Starr providing a big boost to a Rome second half surge, the No. 2-ranked Lady Wolves pulled out a 41-35 win Tuesday and improved their record to 13-0.

“We gained a lot of confidence to know that we can compete with the best the state has to offer,” Rome coach Kevin Strickland said.

Marist, a traditional power in Class AAAA and regular in the state playoffs, made a showing early on to take a 13-8 lead after the first and led 25-21 at the half.

The Lady Wolves got out to a new start in the third quarter however and went on a 10-0 run that laid the groundwork for their closest victory of the season.

“I think we needed it,” Strickland said of going up against the Region 6-AAAA squad. “They are fundamental and don’t make many mistakes so we needed to get pushed.”

Mauri Wells scored a game-high 18 points and rounded out the night with 11 rebounds for a double-double. Starr, who added six points, brought down 11 rebounds, most of which came in the second half.

“She gave us a spark on defense,” Strickland said. “She’s only 5-10 but she’s so long and athletic.

“This was by far her best defensive effort and she allowed Mauri to guard other people and open up our game.”

The sophomore was given the chore of guarding Marist’s 6-foot-2 forward Jen Hieder, who paced the Lady War Eagles with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Starr got the best of the junior later in the game and was a catalyst in keeping Rome on top in the final five minutes.

Strickland is hoping his girls will use the game to build on for the rest of the season.

“Really, it was a big game,” Strickland said. “But it’s over. We know we can compete now but we can’t let this be the high point of the season.”

Rome will make the trip to Murray County on Friday night in a Region 7-AAAA North contest and return home Saturday to host Coosa in a non-region game.