Special to the Pioneer
The Lady Shires started their season off strong at 2-0 after winning at Presque Isle last Tuesday night. Houlton was led by Rachel Foster who netted 17 points, and Desiree Dow who tallied 16. 
REBOUND- Houlton senior center Rachel Foster looks to grab a big recound against Lee last Friday night. Houlton was defeated 58-52. Houlton’s perfect season was ended on Friday when they fell to a very strong Lee Academy team, 58-52.
Karin Bird led Lee with 18 points, and Aarika Ritchie followed with 17. Rachel Foster ended the night with 32 points and 12 rebounds for Houlton, while Lainey Herring chipped in with 11 points.
After being down 4-0 early in the game Lee’s offense came alive just before the half allowing them to go into the locker room with a 6-point lead at the break.
“Lee found a way to break down our 1-3-1 and managed to hit a few 3-pointers in the 2nd quarter. That was the difference in the game,” said Houlton coach Shawn Graham.
The entire second half was a stalemate, with both teams scoring 12 points in the third quarter and 15 points in the fourth. 
IN THE LANE – Houlton junior Lainey Herring tosses up a floater from the paint against Lee Academy Friday night.
Houlton did not have an answer for Lee’s tough pressure and trap defense, which caused them to turn the ball over twenty-seven times. Lee, however, didn’t seem to have a solution for Foster, who scored at will throughout the night.
“We know we have a good inside game, and once we can establish an outside threat, it will make us much better,” explained Graham.
Houlton now has to jump right back and play two tough games against Stearns and Fort Kent this week before they get a break for holiday vacation.
PROTECTING – Houlton sophomore Vanessa Sanderson protects the ball from a Lee defender while teammate Emily Bartlett looks on.
Houlton plays at Fort Kent tomorrow night at 7pm.
