DIXFIELD – Junior Michelle Holmquist scored 12 points and sophomore Shannon Daley scored 10 points as Dirigo remained undefeated with a 59-34 win against rival Mountain Valley at Defoe Gymnasium on Friday night.

The action began with both teams struggling to find its offense. Dirigo was able to jump-start things in the second quarter by swapping out all five starters. The strategy worked as the Cougars pulled out to a 21-9 lead, behind the spark provided by sophomores Katherine Gagne and Katie Hutchinson.

“It was nerves,” Mountain Valley coach Wade McLaughlin said, referring to the slow start. “We are young and inexperienced and there’s no way you can simulate this type of environment. The crowd is loud, but you just need to learn to play through it.”

Mountain Valley was led by Kristin Arsenault with 13 points and Tanya Nicols with nine points. The Falcons were plagued with poor shooting, converting on two of 14 shots in the first half.

“You can’t afford to make any mistakes,” McLaughlin said. “The thing’s Dirigo does is done well and they take advantage of every opportunity.”

Dirigo went on an 8-0 run midway through the third quarter to lead 33-14. Brooke Weston and Shannon Daley each scored two baskets. Alexa Kaubris added 11 points.

Dirigo made 17 of 31 foul shots and shot 45 percent from the floor.

The Falcons committed 28 turnovers against the Cougars and made 19 of 29 from the charity stripe.