Citrus women’s basketball team pulled off a narrow victory against Glendale on Feb. 21. The team’s determination to win was a sight to behold. They pushed forward through every hurdle and persevered with a 67-62 win.
“The girls are ready to go, especially coming off of a tough loss Wednesday night,” said coach Jeriko Santos. “Coming in right away and just making sure they are locked in. And obviously sophomore night helps that’s for sure.”
“Especially knowing that tonight could have been our last game, or last home game. So just being appreciative of obviously throughout the whole year and being solid and ready to go, that’s the biggest thing.”
With preparation and motivation, the Owls took the win and are still in the fight. Some key players played a big role in the game’s outcome.
One of those players was Kristen Morella, one of Citrus’ guards, scoring 22 points.
“Well I’m just glad that we won,” Morella said. “…I believed in my team and what we can do. And I think we went out with the energy I think we needed and we just had our foot on the pedal, we never took it off and I’m glad with the outcome.”
With teammates like Morella leading the charge, momentum is building as the Citrus Owls head into the playoffs.
In the stands Clarence Viray, father of Kaylana Viray, guard, was cheering on the team.
“It was very much an emotional rollercoaster because this was my daughter’s sophomore night and I just wanted to show as much support for the team, as much as she has,” Clarence Viray said. “She has always kept her head up high, and she loves her teammates with all her heart.”
The Citrus Owls team has a strong bond that they use to work together towards victory.
“We are definitely going to celebrate and we’re going off to the playoffs for Citrus Owls,” Kaylana Viray said.
It is this optimism and excitement that embodies the evening as the team prepares for the challenges to come.
More information on the Owl’s upcoming schedule can be found here.
