Sometimes the difference between a win and loss happens earlier than expected.

That was the case for Dallas County in a 46-33 win over Francis Marion on Tuesday.

Trailing 4-3 midway through the first quarter, a Rosherica Heard 3-pointer sparked a 16-0 run capped by a Jasmine Jones 3-pointer early in the second quarter to put the Hornets ahead 19-4.

“The girls played hard,” said Francis Marion coach Michael Bedell. “That first quarter really hurt us.”

Unfortunately for Dallas County coach Charles Thompson, the Hornets had difficulty extending the lead.

“I think we played a pretty decent game,” said Thompson. “But at this stage of the season, we’re going to have to step it up a bit.”

The Rams used an 8-0 run to trim the deficit to 26-18 early in the second half. But Dallas County responded with two 8-2 runs — highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Heard and Kim Ross — to extend the lead to 16.

Rodnesha Vinson led the Hornets (17-9) with 20 points.

Tamera Sawyer led Francis Marion (7-12) with 11 points.