The girls varsity basketball team fell short 45-48 to Santa Clara today, January 24 in a nail-biting match. Though the Eagles trailed at the beginning, they were able to close up the point gap and remain close to their opponents for the rest of the game.

“We did okay and again we came out a little slow, a little tentative, and we began to pick it up in the second quarter,” Coach Kevin Lee said.

Santa Clara, a team with a record of 1-4, showed much improvement throughout the game, showcasing their aggression, as well their defense. Along with Santa Clara basketball team came an audience that cheered loud and clear, their voices echoing throughout the gymnasium. The lady Eagles were ahead at half-time by a small margin of 20-18.

Though they lost a tight game, the team displayed their improved skills as they passed smoothly and took their chances in scoring. They began to struggle with penalty shots and rebounds, and this played a part in costing the girls the game.

“We need to focus on our intensity throughout the game to stay on track,” Lee said. “We need to have fewer turnovers in the game and we have to focus on our rebounds to get the possessions. We need more concentration overall, in terms of our shot selection.”

Penalty shots were no problem, though, when with 50 seconds on the clock left of the game and trailing 43-46, sophomore Meghan McDermott made two foul shots that brought her team to 45-46.

“Unfortunately then, we had gained fewer points [than needed] to gain a victory,” Lee said. “But overall, the girls played really well.”

The varsity girls basketball team will play an away game this Friday, January 27 against Saratoga.