The girls’ basketball team continued its winning streak Monday night with a 51-32 victory against visiting Menlo School, bringing the Vikings’ preseason record to 3-1 thanks to strong, well-organized offensive play.

"Wins always feel good," senior Paly guard and co-captain Melody Gaal said. "Our defense is a lot better. We were working on our press and learning how to take our time, run everything, take good shots."

Although the Knights started off strong, capturing the tip-off and scoring a three-point shot in the first thirteen seconds, Paly recovered to lead 15-12 by the end of the first quarter.

The Vikings settled down in the second quarter, trading baskets at first and then sinking eight buckets to Menlo’s two, bringing the score to 33-18.

"[Paly] wore us down," Menlo head coach Brooke McKinney said. "They’re a quick team, they pushed the ball a lot, [and] we turned the ball over. [Menlo] played hard; we just need fine-tuning."

In the third quarter, however, the Vikes reasserted their dominance in no uncertain terms, holding the Knights to only two points compared with their 12, and committing two fouls versus Menlo’s five.

Menlo experienced a comeback in the fourth quarter, initiating a flurry of baskets and furious cross-court activity as Paly responded. Stymied by both time and the Vikings’ inexorable press, however, the Knights eventually turned out to be too far behind to catch up, and the game finished 51-32, with the final points scored almost two minutes before the quarter’s end.

"[The game] went pretty good," freshman Paly forward Rachael Pecota said. "We need to pass it [the ball] around more, not force, and get back on defense."

"Our girls played with great effort as a team," head Paly coach Scott Peters said. "I think we’re making strides at playing more like a team on offense and defense."

Peters, who is coaching Paly for the first time, emphasized his satisfaction with how the team was progressing.

"It’s always hard for any team to deal with a new coach who has new philosophies, and I’m asking a lot out of the girls, but I’m happy with what they’re giving me," he said.

"I think it’s important we honor the girls and their effort. I really want to emphasize team, so it’s hard for me to name individuals," Peters said.

The Vikings’ next home game will be against Piedmont Hills on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the big gym.