The junior high girls’ basketball team played their first game of the season on Sept. 22, against the OC Christian Eagles.

            The game started with no score until three minutes into the first quarter. The Warriors made their first shot, and continued the run to 6-0.

              At the end of the first quarter, the Eagles suddenly caught up to the Warriors. The quarter ended with the Eagles leading 8-6.           

            The Eagles played hard in the second quarter and quickly took the lead with a score of 12-8. Their energy continued throughout the quarter.

            The lead fluctuated for the rest of the second quarter. Sophia Tran, sixth grade, made her very first shot. The second quarter ended with the Warriors in the lead 20-17.

            The Warriors were noticeably exhausted after the first half, but Sara Cadenas, point guard, worked hard to get a win. She quickly scored two points, rebounded the ball, and made another two points.

            The third quarter was also the time for the Eagles to make their move. They managed to score 12 additional points. The quarter ended with the Eagles leading 29-28.

            The Warriors were determined to win this game in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles widened their lead and won the game 38-32.           

            Coach Sam Mallipudi was asked about his thoughts on the first game of the season. He said, “It is fun coaching the junior high basketball team, but it is a lot of work.” He added, “ I think we should increase our stamina and endurance so we do not get tired at the end of the game.”

            Diana Pham, forward, said, “I like being on the basketball team because I actually get to play.” She also said, “I enjoy the wing-post position even though I foul people to the point that I have to get out of the game.”

            Chau Nguyen, point guard, said, “I am excited about this season because I think we have a good chance of winning at least one of our games.”

            Overall, the Warriors gained valuable experience from their first game and are preparing for their next.