After making a second-half rally to defeat West Wilkes by five points in Thursday's second-round game, the Lady Cavaliers faced another challenge from 7 seed Franklin Saturday night.
The Lady Panthers gained a third-quarter lead until a three-pointer by Graleigh Hildebran put EB back ahead by one, 26-25, entering the fourth quarter.
The Lady Cavaliers again took control in the last quarter of play outscoring Franklin 12-5 for a 38-30 victory and a fourth-round berth for the second consecutive season.
History was also made in Saturday's win as this was the first Lady Cavalier team to have 20 consecutive wins dating back to a win over R-S Central in the Freedom Christmas Invitational and they also tie for the most wins in school history (27).
"They fight to the end, I've had great teams but the grit and determination that's there is unbelievable," said Lady Cavaliers coach Crystal Bartlett.
EB scored the first six points in the fourth quarter to pull ahead 32-25 off baskets from Hildebran and Ashlyn Stilwell and Stilwell also sinking a pair of free-throws.
The lead was protected by Hildebran and Sarah Grace Lockee grabbing key steals as Hildebran and Riley Haas were able to make free throws to seal the victory.
"All five of my seniors don't want this to end, it just provides the spark and defense wins championships."
Haas led EB with 12 points with Hildebran (5 steals) and Stilwell each adding nine points.
The Lady Cavaliers next face a fourth-round challenge from 3 seed Newton-Conover Tuesday at 6:30 in a rematch from last year's third-round won by EB 77-56.
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