With the girls basketball season in full swing, the team has had some time to step back and take a look at some improvements they could make. With a new coach, the girls are learning new skills and ways to play that they haven’t been taught before. The players have been extra excited for this season knowing they get to learn new plays. They are striving to come up with new strategies and build on their skills to make the rest of their season the best they can. Along with that, building on their teamwork aspect to create a tight-knit team.
“Being close with my teammates helps on the court. Knowing my teammates have my back, I am more confident to make shots. We work better as a team,” Sophia Bruce (9) said.
Throughout the duration of the season, the girls value pushing their teammates to be the best while maintaining a good team bond. Teamwork is a crucial part of the game, so it’s important that everyone tries to get to know each other and practice playing together. Beginning to trust teammates makes a difference in the team and on the court. Putting in the effort to become friends with teammates leads to connections on the court and lifelong friendships. It is crucial that the upperclassmen bond with the underclassmen so they can build trust and communication to create a unified team.
“I think our connection is what helps us most on the court, it makes us communicate more,” Trinity Vojtko (12) said.
The girls started their season off on Dec. 3 by travelling to Beaver to take on the Bobcats, where they fell to the Bobcats by a score of 77-32. They then headed to the Brentwood Tip Off Tournament where they split, losing 45-28 to Carrick on day one but had a comeback on day two, winning 43-35 against Brentwood.
After playing a few more away games, the girls hosted their first home game against Rochester on Dec. 18. They fell short to the Rams by a score of 47-17. A few days later, the girls participated in the Burgettstown Tournament where they split yet again, losing 64-33 to Aliquippa on day one and bouncing back on day two with a 43-24 win against Monessen.
Kicking off the new year, the Bulldogs hosted Neshannock at home. At the end of the second period, they were down 59-8. The girls fought hard for a comeback after intermission, but could not keep the Lancers away from the net. The game concluded 88-10, score favoring the Lancers.
The following four games ended similarly. On Jan. 8, the girls traveled to Aliquippa to take on the Quips. They fell to the Quips by a score of 67-32. After weekend practice, the girls hosted Laurel at home on Jan. 12. The final score was 58-24, favoring the Spartans.
Overall, the girls are striving to see growth and more wins this year. They will be continuing their season learning and improving their skills to be even better for next year. All the players showing up ready and excited to play have made the team hopeful for the rest of their season.