The Martin girls’ varsity basketball team had to overcome a sluggish start in the first 16 minutes to overtake Watervliet Thursday night, 36-30.

The victory lifted coach Doug MacVean’s team’s overall record to 4-0 thus far this season.

Martin fell behind 13-8 in the opening period and was still down 15-12 at halftime. The Lady Clippers stepped it up a bit on the offensive side in the second half by scoring a dozen points in both the third and fourth quarters. They took the lead 24-23 heading into the final eight minutes and had to hang on from there.

Jaclyn Hildebrand scored nine points to lead the attack. Faith Guritz added eight points and Kiaya Warner six.

The Lady Clippers will take their 4-0 mark into the Christmas break.