Adrianne Devine (left), a sophomore point guard, and Lauren Woods, a freshman center, are two key players on this season's Blue Bison team. Both played on the varsity last season and they gained valuable experience during the 2007-08 campaign. (Tom Killips - The Record)

Shaker (4-3, 5-6) hosts Bethlehem (4-2, 6-4) in a Suburban Council matchup Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.
The Eagles are led by seniors Meg Olsen (14.2 ppg) and Alex McCullough (12.9) and after returning many of the players who led the team to the Section II Class AA title game a year ago, were expected to be one of the best in the section this season.
Bethlehem, however, has won only two of its last six games and is in a three-way tie atop the Suburban Council South Division with Averill Park and Mohonasen.

Shaker head coach Emily Caschera (left) instructs a player during practice on Monday night. Caschera played her high school ball at Shenendehowa, leading the Lady Plainsmen to a New York State title in 1999. She then played at the University of New Hampshire and later served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats. (Tom Killips - The Record).

The Blue Bison had two tough losses last week, falling to Shen by two points and Colonie the next day by six. They held Burnt Hills to 11 points in the second half on Friday for a come-from-behind win and Tuesday's game against Bethlehem is important for a number of reasons. Shaker can reach the .500 mark and keep close to Suburban Council North Division leader Shenendehowa and they can also win back-to-back games for the first time this season.

"We just came off two really close games and we want to get two in a row and maybe even more," said Devine. "Definitely more."

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Check out Tuesday's edition of The Record for the full story, along with our top 5 polls and league standings.