Slow starts have been an issue for the Alma Lady Airedales since coach Chanlee Bottoms' playing days.

Thursday, Alma held on to beat previously unbeaten Greenbrier, 43-39, to match its first 3-1 start since the 2010-11 season -- and only the second 3-1 push since Bottoms' senior season of 2004-05.

Sophomore Brooklynn Holt hit a game-winning three-pointer to cap a comeback win over Mansfield earlier in the week and hit another big trey with 1:26 left to play in Thursday's game to help hold off the Lady Panthers. It was the 48th all-time meeting between the two on-and-off conference foes.

Alma leads the all-time series, 30-18.

"I think we did really good tonight. I think our defense really is what won the game," Holt said.