BEULAVILLE — Second-seeded East Duplin proved too much to handle for Washington in Thursday’s second-round meeting. The Lady Pack defense held the Lady Panthers to nine points in the first quarter, but a 32-point second half pushed them to a 57-34 win that ended Washington’s campaign.

Mariah Moore scored a game-best 21 points for East Duplin. Daria Jones led the way for Washington with 11. Cyntavea Blackledge and Kizoria Redmond each added six.

The hosts took a 9-5 lead after the first eight minutes. The Lady Pack defense did well to hold its opponent off while the offense tried to solve East Duplin.

The game was within reach, 25-15, at halftime. The Lady Panthers used a 17-point third to create further separation. That put them ahead of the Lady Pack, 52-33, heading into the final period.

Washington’s offense had its best quarter in the fourth, but its 11 points weren’t enough to climb back.

The Lady Pack will graduate Tierra Wiggins, Cierra Wiggins and Hailey Respass from this roster. However, with Jones due back for her senior season and a bevy of other talented players set to return, Washington is in good position to build on a season that featured its first postseason win under head coach Ralph Biggs.