Holbrook’s Lady Roadrunners picked up their first win of the season in Chinle on Friday night, although it didn’t come easy. After rallying from another double-digit deficit for the third time in three games, Holbrook failed to score a single point over the final four minutes but their defense kept Chinle at bay resulting in a 41-40 Holbrook win. Madison Chappell netted five and Joycelynn Thomas hit a three as the only two Holbrook players to score in the first eight minutes, which left the Birds trailing 11-8. In the second, Thomas hit her second trey of the game and Mika Joe found the distance from deep range but Holbrook trailed 20-16 at the break. The Ladies scored just one traditional field goal in the first half. In the third period they again had just one two-point field goal but Joe connected on a pair of treys and Sam Billie hit the first of her three triples, keeping Holbrook within one at 28-27 heading into the fourth. Through the first four minutes of the fourth period Holbrook pulled out to a five point lead and led 41-36 at the midway point of the period. Billie’s three-point shooting and lay up combined with Joe’s two-point field goal and a pair of free throws from Talynn Spencer giving Holbrook just enough points for the win. “We were very fortunate to win this game. You just can’t go the final four minutes scoreless of any game and expect to win. We also had a three minute scoring drought in the first half. We shot just 19 percent from inside the paint in this game and that won’t get it done. Fortunately, Mika, Sam and Joyce found the range from deep which helped give us just enough points. Madison didn’t score her usual points but her defense and overall effort kept us in the game. She finished with 13 steals and 10 rebounds playing against much bigger players for most of the night,” said Holbrook Coach Greg Perkins. Holbrook went just four for 13 at the free throw line but did make nine three point field goals. They had only five traditional baskets in the game. Billie led the team in scoring with 13; Joe added 11; Joycelynn Thomas, 7; Madison Chappell, 6; Talynn Spencer and Shondiin Ben each had 2. “Mika, Sam, and Joyce really stepped up tonight. They did a great job,” stated Perkins. Chinle was led by Brandi Clah’s 12 points. Tea Murray added 10; Shaundiin Yazzie, 6; Aisha Ashley, 6; Meishyla Begay, 3; Katana Benslow, 2; and Mariah Benally added 1. The Wildcats went eight for 11 at the line and hit two three-point field goals. With the win, Holbrook moved to 1-2 on the season. After playing a difficult game at Ganado on Tuesday they will compete in the Round Valley Roundball Tournament on Thursday through Saturday. Holbrook is slated to face Camp Verde and American Leadership Gilbert in pool games on Thursday. On Friday they open bracket play vs Tonapah Valley. Following the tournament Holbrook will play their final two games prior to the break at home, hosting Chino Valley on the 19th, and Window Rock comes to town on the 20th.