ALPENA - Dec. 2, 2008 - Ogemaw Heights fared a lot better against Alpena than the last time the two girls basketball teams met.

The Falcons dropped their season-opener 65-52 at Alpena on Tuesday, after suffering more than 30-point loss to the Wildcats a year ago.

Alpena's Lauren Borchard set a school record with eight 3-pointers and the Wildcats hit 12 overall to hold off the Falcons, who built up a 23-point lead before the Falcons cut it to under 10 in the fourth quarter.

"(After halftime) everyone stayed calm and focused kept playing hard," said Ogemaw coach Tim Hansen. "We cut it down to single digits in the fourth quarter, but we had to take a few more chances, and lo and behold, the Thunder Bay Bomber (Borchard) stuck three more nails in the coffin.

"We ran out of time to complete the comeback."

The Wildcats drilled eight 3-pointers in the first half as they opened up a 36-22 halftime lead.

"On Sunday I watched last year's game tape and I got out my notes from when we played them this summer," Hansen said. "Unfortunately we were not allowed to hold practice Monday due to school being cancelled; Alpena was allowed to practice even though they had no school either. Huge advantage for them."

Ashley Thompson scored 13 of her team-high 22 points in the second half as the Falcons fought to get back in the game. Rilee Palm and Josie Wiltse each added seven points.

"Despite not being able to identify where Borchard and the rest of the shooters were on the floor, I'm extremely proud of the way we competed, hustled, and played as a team," Hansen said. "We kept battling and came back, and that shows a lot. 

"These are great kids, and it's going to be a fun season."

The Falcons travel to Oscoda on Friday, Dec. 5, where the Owls -- now an independent since leaving the NEMC -- will be hosting their season-opener.