The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds nearly found the win column Saturday falling 34-31 to the Big Sandy Pioneers.

The Thunderbirds got a three point basket from freshman Rayleigh Kirkaldie in the opening quarter to keep the team close as they trailed 10-8 entering the second.

Junior Kenessa Shambo drained a long three in the second stanza but the Pioneers managed to extend the advantage to 17-13 by halftime.

Rayleigh, freshman Latasha Kirkaldie, freshman Talia Werk and sophomore Miquela Perez each scored in the third quarter for the Thunderbirds.

The Pioneers held a 27-21 advantage heading int...