The Pike County Lady Bulldogs basketball team kicked off their season with a tight 44-42 loss to Houston Academy in round one of the Straughn Thanksgiving Tournament on Monday.

“We could have won the game,” said Bulldogs head coach Todd Reynolds. “We played good inside and outside. We are in a building process. In order to win games you have to be in games. Last year our average points per loss was 20; this one was two right out of the gate.”

The Bulldogs (0-1) jumped out strong and took a 15-6 lead half way through the second quarter and went into halftime holding a 19-15 lead.

Foul trouble and fatigue lead the way for a Houston Academy comeback in the second half.

“That was their fourth game and this was our first. I think that was the difference,” Reynolds said. “We didn’t execute when it mattered the most. They stepped their press in the second half.”

The Bulldogs did have a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but Kyah Rouse’s shot missed, giving the Raiders the win.

Keeyah Rodgers led the way in scoring for the Bulldogs with 17 points and also had eight rebounds. Precious Vaznaian had 14 points and five steals.

The Bulldogs will continue play in the Straughn Thanksgiving Tournament this morning when they take on the loser of the Straughn-Luverne game at 10 a.m.