DIXFIELD – Nikki Kaulback scored a game-high 13 points and Dirigo created a number of Jay errors, remaining unbeaten with a 36-28 win over the Tigers at DeFoe Gym on Monday.

Both teams had won their season openers last Friday, so the objective entering this game was to attempt to correct any shortcomings. The Cougars were able to keep the Tigers penned up through out the game, and it paid off down the stretch.

Dirigo (2-0) had its double-digit lead dwindle to three points midway through the fourth quarter, but Kaulback responded with a three-point play. Following a Tiger turnover, Katrina Pulk was alone underneath for a lay-up and Kaulback drove-in alone on the baseline to put the Cougars ahead 34-25 with 2:40 left in the game.

“We were in foul trouble by the fourth quarter,” first-year Dirigo coach Reggie Weston said. “So, we pulled the ball out and we stayed in a zone. I wanted to buy some time before putting our starters back in.”

Jay (1-1) trailed 27-24 after Beth Moore made a pair of free throws. Unfortunately, the Tigers were their own worst enemy for most of the game, making just seven of 40 shots.

“A few baskets would have helped, especially in the fourth quarter,” Jay coach Chris Bessey said. “We didn’t make the shots. Our defense was good, we’re holding teams in the 30s, but we didn’t take advantage of opportunities.”

The Cougars’ Carrie Jamison (seven points) and Ricki Sinclair (six points) each were effective at crashing the boards through out the second half.

Jay remained close by making 10 of 14 free throws in the second and third periods. Hillary Deane scored six points and Brie Beisaw had 12 rebounds. Dirigo’s man-to-man defense prevented the Tigers’ Liz LeBlanc from brining the ball up the court.

Dirigo shot 41 percent in the second half and made 10 of 16 free throws in the game.

“I thought we played well as a team,” Kaulback said. “We handled their pressure well and didn’t get flustered. After (the Carrabec win), we knew we needed to work on our ball control and rebounding, especially back side help.”

Dirigo took a 14-4 lead after the first quarter on a Kaulback trey and baskets by Kristen Harvey and Jamison. But, Jay slowed the pace down and trailed just 19-13 at halftime.