The JV girls’ basketball team lost its first game of the season to Sacramento Waldorf, 11-30.
Head coach Latonia Pitts said she was not discouraged, however, and thought the game gave a good perspective on things the team should improve upon.
“As a coach, I have learned not to walk into the first game expecting to win or lose, but to learn and use it as a real starting point to better develop the team,” Pitts said.
She noted the girls weren’t very confident shooting or handling the ball.
Sophomore Emily Hayes agreed.
“We have quite a few inexperienced players,” Hayes said. “It always takes a while to find our rhythm as a team, but we got more comfortable in the second half and really improved. Our passing was much more effective, we put more shots up, and we were starting to find our groove.”
Pitts was also pleased that the more experienced players helped the new girls. Freshman Jewel Turner said their support helped her feel less nervous.
“Before I stepped onto the court, I was really nervous, but the upperclassmen were really encouraging, especially (sophomores) Chloé (Collinwood) and Emily (Hayes),” Turner said. “If we made a mistake or fumbled, they were there to make sure we could continue.”
Now that the game is over, Turner said it was “actually really fun” and that she looks forward to the rest of the season.
Their next game is Tuesday, Dec. 6, against Natomas High School at home at 6 p.m.
—By Emma Boersma
