The Palo Alto High School girls’ varsity basketball team wasn’t the only team representing the Viking mascot Wednesday night. It hosted and defeated Lynbrook High School, 40-31 in an intense opening to league play.

Although Lynbrook gained momentum in the third quarter, the Lady Vikes used their strong defense and scoring weapons, guards Sydney Davis (‘11) and Emilee Osagiede (‘12), to ultimately win the battle of the Vikings.

The first quarter was largely a defensive gridlock with no points scored by either team in the first six minutes of play. This changed, however, when Davis scored a free throw and post Danielle Palmer (‘14) followed with a swift layup to put Paly on top 3-0 by the start of the second quarter.

“Since it’s our first league game we were looking to come out real hard and strong and push the tempo and have great intensity,” Davis said.

Davis did just that. After opening the scoring on Davis’ free throw, Paly stepped up and found its rhythm, adding 14 points and preventing Lynbrook baskets late in the half. Key blocks came from both Josie Butler (‘13) and Stephanie Allen (‘13). By halftime, the Lady Vikes had pulled away 17-5.

Going into the third quarter, it became evident that Lynbrook would not go down without a fight. In the first 90 seconds of play, Lynbrook made the score 17-12 with two baskets from Jackie Hudepohl (‘13). The remainder of the quarter consisted of back-to-back possessions by both teams, most ending in scores. Davis had a three pointer off of a steal, but Hudepohl zoomed back up the court to add another two off a layup. A left handed steal by Katerina Peterson (‘11) the following play set up Davis to score, yet again, increasing Paly’s lead to 22-14. As the buzzer rang and the ladies jogged back to their respective benches, the scoreboard read 26-17 in Paly’s favor.

Paly coach Scott Peters was not surprised by the Lynbrook comeback, but remained confident in his team’s ability to stand strong.

“In the third quarter we still played hard we just didn’t execute as well,” Peters said. “We had some breakdowns and it became a tougher game than we would have wanted but that’s also a good team and they’re gonna come back when they’re down.

The fourth quarter included much of the same, with both Viking squads fighting for control of the ball. It was Paly, however, that converted the points when it had the opportunity. A foul shot from Allen and a three pointer from Osagiede gave Paly 30 points while Hudepohl added four points for Lynbrook. A strong passing sequence from Osagiede to Lindsay Black (‘12) and back to Davis gave Paly a bucket, but Lynbrook retaliated with a basket that made the score 32-23. The back and forth battle continued, but Paly’s offense was more explosive and the green vikings prevailed over the blue, 40-31.

Davis sees this win as a promising projection of the season and hopes to play her part in future Paly victories. She finished with 15 points on the night.

“I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I can to the team and hopefully helping my teammates get better and hopefully we’ll be able to create that chemistry within the team so that we become stronger,” she said.

Peters echoes Davis’s sentiments and is satisfied with his team’s determination throughout the game.

“All our girls played really hard,” Peters said. “I was happy with their effort.”

The Lady Vikes continue with their league play at Mountain View on Friday night 6:00 p.m.