The Holbrook Lady Roadrunners’ season didn’t begin as hoped on Nov. 25 with the Chinle Wildcats handing them a 43-31 defeat. The same two teams met four times last season with Holbrook prevailing in three of the four, including the state semi-final game last season. The beginning of this game certainly belonged to the Wildcats. Both teams struggled to score in the first eight minutes with the scored knotted at 7-7 heading to the second. Talynn Spencer, Desirae Bain and Madison Chappell each had field goals in the quarter. Chappell was the only Holbrook player to score in the second with a pair of field goals. Chinle put up eight points and led at the half 15-11. The third period was really the difference maker. Holbrook’s shooting woes continued with just a five point period, while Chinle went to work with their inside game and pulled out to a 28-16 lead with a quarter left. Early in the fourth Holbrook went on a 13-1 run tying the game at 29-29, with five minutes left. Chinle came back and made nine of 11 fourth quarter free throws to pull away for the 12 point win. “Despite having most of our team returning I think the girls were really nervous. With the exception of Madison we were rushing shots, had way too many turnovers and they dominated us on the boards. They really controlled the game on the inside. We didn’t have much of an inside game and we went one for 21 from the three point line. That isn’t a combination conducive to beating a good team like Chinle,” stated Coach Greg Perkins. “It is certainly disappointing to open the season at home with a loss. However, maybe in the long run it will be a good thing. Now the girls quickly understand last season is over and we have to get back to work for a whole new season. Our schedule only gets tougher with three consecutive road trips to face 3A North opponents including a rematch with Chinle. Give credit to Coach McCurtain and her ladies. They were ready to play and their inside game really controlled the outcome. They are well coached,” added Perkins. Chappell finished with 13 to lead the Lady Birds. In the process, she also scored her 1,000th career point for Holbrook High School. She is the first girl player to do that for the Roadrunners. She was awarded a special ball during halftime. Matehay Aberle added 6; Desirae Bain, 5; Terry Nez, 4; and Talynn Spencer finished with 3. Holbrook made just one three-point shot in 20 attempts, had well over 25 turnovers and went eight for 14 at the charity stripe. Chinle was paced by Aisha Ashley with 18 points. Shaundiin Yazzie added 9; Tea Murray, 5; Mariah Benally, 4; Brandi Clah, 3; Ashlyn Lynch 2; and Jaisa Tso also had 2. Chinle also made one three-point goal, but went 18 for 24 at the charity stripe. Holbrook played at Window Rock on Tuesday and will travel to Ganado on Friday.