MERKEL — The Merkel Lady Badgers continued what’s been an excellent start to the season Tuesday, using a 17-point second quarter to take control of what was otherwise a defensive slugfest against the visiting Wylie Lady Bulldogs.

Playing a WHS team that was coming off a big nondistrict win over mutual rival Jim Ned, coach Laura Lange’s squad stifled the Lady Bulldogs from start to finish and did enough offensively in that second period to secure a 31-18 victory at Badger Gym.