DIXFIELD – When some thing isn’t working, it’s time to switch gears. Ricki Sinclair provided the spark for Dirigo by slowing the offense in the final quarter.

Sinclair assumed command down the stretch and scored a game high 11 points as the Cougars received a solid defensive effort in a 35-25 victory over Lisbon in an MVC girls’ basketball game on Monday.

Dirigo jumped on top early in the fourth quarter and showed patience by rotating the ball around the arc before settling for an open shot. This tactic disrupted the tempo. Two straight baskets by Sinclair (three assists, three steals) on Morgan Hutchins feeds opened-up a 30-21 lead with six minutes left in the game.

Lisbon was able to inch closer on a Stephanie Smith 3-pointer, but failed to score a field goal the rest of the way.

“Lisbon had used a press against us,” Sinclair said. “It had (hindered) our offense, but we knew that we needed to keep our composure. Then, we ran our press defense effectively down the stretch.”

Dirigo (5-1) had to slow the tempo down because it could not solve Lisbon’s defensive pressure. This was enhanced when the Cougars constantly picked up their dribble and threw the ball away.

A base-line jumper by Hannah Knight (five points) and two free throws by Sinclair, with 1:44 left sealed the deal.

Lisbon (4-2) struggled on offense, shooting 30 percent (8 for 36) from the field. Junior Renee Moore had a team-high nine points. The Greyhounds made two of five shots in the fourth quarter.

“We simply didn’t shoot well,” Lisbon coach Jake Gentle said. “We had plenty of high percentage shots, but nothing was falling for us. Also credit the Dirigo defense because they have three guards who apply plenty of pressure.”

Dirigo utilized its own trapping by Tricia Turner (three assists, three steals), Kristen Harvey (four points) and Jane Hebert (six points, nine rebounds).

Lisbon hoped to use a fast tempo and create havoc with a trio of guards – (Lewiston transfer) Amber Cloutier, Kelly Bourgoin and Smith. But the Greyhounds committed 24 turnovers, including 10 in the third quarter. A fast break basket by Shelby Brannon made 21-17.

“I hate to stall,” Dirigo coach Reggie Weston said, who reverted to the strategy with 4 minutes to play. “I would rather attack, but we spread it out and wanted Lisbon to come out and challenge us. But, Lisbon is well coached and they wouldn’t bite on it if they had come out, we could have fed the ball inside.”

Dirigo shot 51 percent, but committed 24 turnovers.