Paly’s girls’ basketball team defeated the Saratoga Falcons 43-39 on Wednesday night at home, maintaining their undefeated record.
The Vikings took to the court Wednesday night taking on Saratoga Falcons in their second league game. Point guard Maddy Atwater (’16) led all scorers with 12 points. Forward Charlotte Alipate (’14) also made a huge impact with eight points and many offensive rebounds.
Defense and three-point shots was the name of the game for the Lady Vikes in the first half. From tip off the Lady Vikes started out in hardcore, full court press causing many turnovers by the struggling Falcons. Point guard Coco Lovey (’16) quickly made her presence known scoring the first five points of the contest to give Paly the early lead. Siggi Bengston (’16) hit a three at the end of the quarter to put the Vikes up 12-8.
Saratoga quickly switched up their game plan in the 2nd quarter completely dominating the Vikes on the defensive and offensive end. The Falcons began to break the Vikings full court press and went on a quick 8-0 run. A three by Atwater and Bengston accounted for the only offensive gains the Lady Vikes produced in the quarter. The Lady Vikes found themselves trailing by one at half, 19-18.
In the second half Saratoga was still hot from three point range but the Vikings switched to zone defensive and stopped the lethal shooting by the Falcons. Atwater started to control the pace of the game slowing things down and moving the ball on offensive. Atwater ended the Vikings scoring drought scoring the first five points of the quarter for the Vikes. Alipate also made a difference  in the second half scoring eight points and gathering virtually all the rebounds.
Paly quickly jumped to a five-point lead, 37-32, and team leader Annie Susco (’13) hit a three point dagger with 1:30 remaining to seal the deal for the Lady Vikes. Saratoga tried to put a comeback together but it was simply too little too late and the Vikings remain undefeated in league play (2-0).
After the game head coach Scott Peters expressed his excitement about the great team win.
“Saratoga defensive was making it hard for us to run our offense but our girls found a way to win and fought hard the entire game,” Peters said. “We didn’t get what we wanted out of the press so we went to a half court trap and zone and that effected their offense which was key.”
Atwater also commented on the Lady Vikes team energy and the impact of Alipate in the paint.
“As a team we all played a lot better together once we got more motivated and we bounced off each other energy,” Atwater said. “Charlotte did great going to the boards we really needed that, even though we miss a lot of shots having her there to get those put backs helped us all out.”
The Lady Vikes will take on Lynbrook this Friday in San Jose.
