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Steve Moos understands Palisade's position.

With previous programs, the Steamboat Springs girls basketball coach has watched his squads get so close to pulling off the upset that many spark a season turnaround.

Palisade lost by six to Moffat County on Friday. Earlier this season, Glenwood Springs beat Palisade by five.

Saturday, it was Steamboat's turn to frustrate Palisade, as the Bulldogs watched a flawless first half go for naught when the Sailors rallied to win 59-52.

Of course, Steamboat (11-4 overall, 6-2 in the league) played a role in Palisade building as much as a 13-point lead late in the second quarter.

"I don't think we were too focused," Moos said. "I don't think we've given up that many open shots all season. We were a step slow."

But Steamboat erased its 10-point halftime deficit by the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth, Bailey Draper's 3-pointer coupled with two Kayla Kostur baskets gave the Sailors a 46-44 lead with 5 minutes, 43 seconds remaining in the game.

Palisade's Krysten Hays evened the game at 46-46 less than a minute later, but Steamboat answered with six straight points, getting easy looks created through increased defensive pressure.

"I think we had a burst of energy there," Kostur said of the 1:30 stretch, in which they pulled away. "We weren't clicking on defense in the first half, and we have to play both sides of the ball."

Moos said Palisade's tight pressure took away some of Steamboat's screening offense, so he instructed his players to look more for open drives to the basket in the second half. The Sailors listened, and the lane area opened up, particularly in the fourth quarter.

Kostur, a junior, scored a game-high 19 points for Steamboat. Senior Shelley Dunlop and sophomore Jessica Peters each had 10, while Draper, a senior, added 8 in the second half.

Kim Friesen scored 11 points for the Bulldogs, while Hays ended up with 10, scoring just two in the second half.

With the win, Steamboat keeps pace with Moffat County who won Saturday, as well. The two teams are tied at 6-2 in the league heading into the highly anticipated rematch at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in Craig.

On Jan. 23, Steamboat won by two on Erin Christensen's game-winning 3-point shot.

-- To reach Melinda Mawdsley call 871-4208 or e-mail mmawdsley@steamboatpilot.com