Speeding ticket in Maryland for going over 10 mph

I recently received a ticket for going 41mph in a 25mph zone. The penalty for it is $90 + 2 points for going over 10mph the speed limit. I could request a trial and ask for PBJ, but what I’m concerned about is that last August, I got another ticket for going over 10mph, and I went ahead and paid it. This means that I already have 2 points against my record. I’m concerned that this time around, the judge won’t be so lenient. Is it worth taking a lawyer with me, or do you think I still have a fair chance of getting the points removed without having to bring one with me? I know that it depends on who the judge is, of course, but I was wondering if anyone had an idea of just how bad the damage is to already have the evidence of another ticket within the 3-year time frame.

Just as an addition, I was following another woman who was going the same exact speed, and we both were pulled over. The argument I would make is that I was told that I wasn’t speeding up or slowing down, we were going the same exact speed. I therefore believed I was driving safely because I was keeping a respectable distance and wasn’t catching up to her. Would it make sense to plead not guilty or should I plead guilty with an explanation since she also got a speeding ticket?

Thanks-