Taconic Comes Up Short against Lee

LEE, Mass. -- The Taconic girls' basketball team was well on its way to a second straight win on Thursday, but Lee clamped down on defense in the second half to pull out a 38-31 victory at home. 

The Braves, who picked up their second win of the season against Mount Greylock on Monday, thought they had a chance to steal a game against the North Division-leading Wildcats. Lee (12-5) was playing without injured forward Stephanie Young but still managed to jump out to an 11-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. Taconic (2-12) made a big comeback in the second quarter, however, outscoring the hosts 12-4 to take a three-point lead into halftime. 

Led by the strong play of senior Eileen Dooley, who led all scorers with 18 points, the Wildcats cranked up their defensive pressure in the second half, holding the Braves to just 14 points combined in the final two quarters. None of the Taconic players reached double digits in points for the game. Junior Kirsten McNeice led the way with eight points and five rebounds. Classmate Nyanna Slaughter also chipped in with six points and a team-high 11 boards. 

The Braves next host Monument Mountain at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.