Early first half struggles led to a halftime deficit for the Lady Roadrunners in Lakeside Tuesday night gave way to a defensive outburst in the third period, sparking a 49-32 come from behind victory for Holbrook over the Lady Yellowjackets. Holbrook started quickly enough, taking a 9-2 lead early, then turnovers and too much standing around on offense morphed into a three-point second quarter for the Roadrunners. Summer Olney’s three-point shot was Holbrook’s only score of the quarter. Blue Ridge, which entered the game on a nine-game winning streak, took advantage and pulled in front late in the first half to take a 21-16 lead into the break. The Roadrunners came out in the third period utilizing several different presses and each one worked to some extent. Holbrook quickly turned the momentum, going on a 24-6 run to seize control of the game. Olney and Cheyenne Lester teamed up for several steals and scored 22 of the Birds’ 24 points in the frame, with both players connecting from inside and out. In the fourth Holbrook’s bench picked up where the first unit left off. They slowed their own scoring, but allowed just five points to the Jackets in the fourth. “We really struggled in the first half. After some halftime discussions we came out with a strong defensive effort, holding them to only 11 second half points,” said Coach Greg Perkins. “The girls really amped up the pressure in the third period and did a great job of flipping the tables on them. “We played well in the second half, but against the good teams remaining on our schedule we won’t be able to overcome a poor half. We were missing two usual starters, who hopefully will be back this weekend, but I thought Dishie (Kinlicheenie) and Quanyyah (Lester) stepped up and played well in their place. Also, freshmen Dakota Dick and Twyla Clark keep giving us valuable minutes off the bench.” Holbrook was led by Cheyenne Lester with 18 points. Olney added 15; Quanyyah Lester, 6; Laurie Brown and Adriana Monroe, 3 each; and Dick and Kinlicheenie, 2 each. The Roadrunners made five three-point shots and hit six of 10 free throws. Blue Ridge made one three-point shot and converted seven of 17 free throws. Holbrook will travel to Show Low tonight (Jan. 23), then host Chinle on Saturday, Jan. 24. On Saturday, the freshman and junior varsity girls’ games both begin at 12 noon, with the freshmen playing at Mike Starr Gym and the jayvees at Muñoz. At 1:30 p.m. will be the freshmen and jayvee boys’ games. The varsity girls will play at 3 p.m., followed by the varsity boys at 4:30 p.m. Holbrook will host Winslow on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at regular game times for what is expected to be a packed gym. With the Blue Ridge win, Holbrook improved to 16-6 on the season.