An old adage says that nothing worthwhile is ever easy. And if Forsyth Central’s girls are to earn their first state tournament victory in 24 years, it surely won’t be easy.

For the Lady Bulldogs, this weekend’s playoff opener brings the challenge of trying to hand an opponent just its second loss in the past 30 games.

Central (16-8) will travel to Rome on Saturday for a 3 p.m. meeting with the No. 2-ranked Lady Wolves (28-1), a team whose lone blemish of the season came in a 68-58 loss to No. 4-ranked Northwest Whitfield on Feb. 9.

Though Rome doesn’t possess off the charts height on its roster, Central coach Andy Martin says the Wolves’ biggest strength is 5-foot-11 power forward Mauri Wells.

The senior scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the Wolves’ 56-54 Region 7-AAAA championship victory against Hillgrove on Tuesday.

“She can score when she gets the ball and she’s a great defender and rebounder,” Martin said. “Really, they don’t have a weakness.”

Martin added that senior guard Summer Bush will provide a test for point guard Keeley Chester. Taking care of the ball will be key for Central against a Rome unit that likes to press the length of the floor the entire game.

Martin said that the Wolves’ fast-paced tempo fits with Central’s style of play, but the game will serve as a significant challenge for the Lady Dawgs.

“It’s going to take one of our better games on both ends of the floor,” the coach said. “I look forward to seeing if we can do that.”