In the final home game of the season, the Palo Alto High School girls’ basketball team suffered a bitter loss, 34-49, to Lynbrook High School on Tuesday.
The Vikings had lost to Lynbrook earlier this season by 46-48 and were hoping to rebound with a victory in the rematch.
Graduating seniors Lauren Mah, Victoria Shih and Nehika Miglani were honored with a ceremony that took place before the game. Tuesday’s game was their last home game at Paly and they will be greatly missed in the future, according to sophomore forward Emilee Osagiede.
“I’m disappointed it had to end like that,” Osagiede said. “I’m going to miss them. They helped us out and contributed a lot to the team.”
The Vikings started out strong in the first couple minutes, gaining the first two baskets. With three minutes left on the clock, Lynbrook broke through the Viking’s defense and took the lead that continued for the rest of the quarter ( 6-13).
“I don’t think we came out with the energy we usually have,” head coach Scott Peters said. “If we don’t come out to play with energy, than it’s really hard for us.”
At the top of the second quarter Paly stepped up its game in the second quarter with a more aggressive play.
“A lot of the time, we have the energy and a lot of focus,” Peters said. “But we got to bring the energy and fight.”
With a few breakaway baskets, the Vikings were able to catch up and tie the score at 21. Throughout the third quarter, the Vikings were unable to execute their plays offensively and ended up with one basket. Lynbrook rallied back and gained 12 points putting them ahead for the rest of the game (23-33).
“We were not focused and we did not have any energy,” sophomore forward Emilee Osagiede said. “We need to improve on staying focus and doing our jobs throughout the game.”
Going into the final quarter frustrated yet determined, the Vikings made a final attempt to overtake Lynbrook. However, due to a large amount of fouls committed by Paly, Lynbrook had multiple opportunities to shoot free throws and ice the game.
“I thought we could have executed better on our defense,” sophomore guard Sam Borsos said. “But everybody played hard and tough.”
Despite the fourth quarter rally, the team was not happy with their performance.
“I am very disappointed at the outcome,” junior forward Katerina Peterson said. “I wished that we played a lot better and a lot tougher than the other team, but this is just motivation to play harder in the next game.”