Girls basketball sets school history as they defeat Westview for CIF three-peat

A quick glance over the Cox Arena stands and the dominant colors of red and gold stood out over the black and gold of the opponent’s colors.

The loud cheers echoed off the arena walls as the final buzzer sounded, marking the third straight San Diego Division II CIF win for the Lady Sundevil basketball team.

The game started off slow as Westview ended the first quarter with only two points from free throws, allowing MC to score eight.

According to senior Jenny Vingerelli, the Wolverines seemed to be off with their shots, despite their usual reputation of being a high scoring team.

Coming back fierce and getting into the flow, the Wolverines ended the first half with 23 points, ahead of MC by seven.

Third quarter seemed to be back and forth as both WV and MC scored nine points.

As the crowd got rowdy and the players got pumped, the Lady Sundevils’ energy sparked them to outscore the Wolverines, finishing the game 50-44.

“Throughout the whole game we were all really focused and determined to win,” Vingerelli said. “We didn’t want to lose to Westview again.”

Senior Kelly Hansen and junior Maggie Doremus led the team as they scored 14 and 12, respectively.

According to coach Robin Blalock, the team’s focus allowed them to play their best as they knew exactly what they had to do to win the game.

“We really persevered through,” Blalock said. “We were constant with our goal to stick to the game plan.”

During the season, MC played against Westview three times. All of those games ended in a disappointment for the Sundevils as Westview pulled through each time.

“When two good teams play each other it could really go either way,” Blalock said. “It didn’t go in our favor previously but it helped strengthen us.”

“The fourth time was the charm,” Vingerelli said. “Coach Blalock just told us to play our game and we would win. She said we have all the talent and skill, everything to win and destroy Westview.”

As the final minute wound down, Vingerelli and her teammates knew that they had captured their third consecutive title.

“We were on fire all through the fourth and Westview couldn’t keep up,” Vingerelli said. “We were just waiting to rush onto the floor and congratulate each other.”

In the first state playoff game the following Tuesday at home against Manhattan Beach Mira Costa, the Sundevils were eliminated after a heartbreaking one point loss after a brutal overtime.

According to coach Blalock, this year the team overcame a lot of hardship as they grew as individuals and as a team.

“This year was a lot of hard work and overcoming adversity,” Blalock said. “Hard work is what makes winning more rewarding.”

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