Date: Dec. 10
Opponent: Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning (SAEL)
Location: Away
Result: Country Day lost 35-17 to fall to 0-1.
Country Day Scoring: Senior Brandy Riziki 11, sophomore Tara (Anna) Fluetsch 4, sophomore Lindsay Burback 2.
Inside info from senior point guard Heidi Johnson: “It wasn’t bad for a first game, but because we have a lot of new players, we still have a lot to learn. We weren’t bad with rebounds and putting up shots, but we had a lot of turnovers — way more than we should – and need to work on our ball movement and passing. I think we’ll see a lot of improvement over the season, which is exciting.”
Inside info from small forward Burback: “The season got off to a rocky start; we still need to improve on a lot, mostly with passing and just not being afraid to get open and handle the ball ourselves.
“The main problem tonight was just taking care of the ball, handling it. I think some of us are a bit nervous when we have the ball, and we just want to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
“The highlights of the game were that we communicated well and most of our teammates were open for passes and sometimes even shots, despite (the fact) that we missed most of them.”
Inside info from coach Latonia Pitts: “I was a bit nervous and excited. Lots of learning happens in the first game. I was excited for the girls because they finally get a game, (since) so many had been canceled due to a drop in another school’s program.
“The girls surprised me a little. We don’t have many experienced players. Only three of the eight (players) have played at the high school level before. It was a loss; however, I was very proud of the young ladies.
“We have to take care of the ball and be more confident in oneself. Roles have changed for some from years past, and that is a transition. The girls that have never played before have to learn the pace of the game as we play and practice. Hopefully the girls have rid themselves of the first-game jitters and are ready for game two. I am looking forward to improving from here, and the girls are hard workers and are willing to improve as well. I am proud of the girls and their efforts last night.”
Next game: Thursday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. at Delta
—By Arikta Trivedi
