After going winless in league last year, the girls’ basketball program was moved from the Gabilan to the Pacific Division of the Monterey Bay League, which has turned out to be a positive change for the team.
Although it didn’t seem positive after the team started 0-3, the girls won their tournament, the Winter Jam, and finished preseason 5-7. “We played some good teams and our record against Gabilan Division teams was a respectable 3-4,” said Coach Battaglini.
Once league started, the team showed they would be more than competitive in the Pacific Division, they would be dominant. The girls started 9-0 to take a firm grip on 1st place. “I think we would have been competitive in the Gabilan this year, but after last year I’m glad the team is having success,” said Battaglini.
A large part of the team’s success is due to seniors Natalia Castro and Brittany Valdez. “Natalia is a fierce competitor and leads the team in scoring,” said Battaglini. “Brittany, who is our second leading scorer, should be a junior but she’s trying to graduate early.”
While it’s a little premature to talk about winning the league title, the team is enjoying going from the basement to the penthouse. “The girls are playing well and they have really come together and become closer, compared to last year,” said Battaglini.