After suffering a devastating 40-28 loss to the Lincoln Mustangs on Feb. 5, they came back to defeat the Mustangs in a nerve-wracking playoff game on Feb. 11. While an absence of teamwork proved their demise in the first game, the girls learned from their mistakes and played as one unit in the point-for-point playoff game.
“They decided that they really wanted it,” coach Catherine Christensen said. “They talked it out, gave their own pep talk and really came together as a team, all on their own. It was the best thing this season.”

    On Feb. 13, the Cardinals entered Kezar Pavilion pumped, determined and thirsty for a similar kind of revenge against the Washington Eagles, who handed the team its first loss of the season during Battle of the Birds on Jan. 25. It was not a good game for the Cardinals: Suffering from two injuries and a lack of unity, the Cards left the Eagle offense wide open and faced an upsetting 43-37 defeat.

    The Eagles were again a tough match for the Cards on Feb. 13. By the end of the first quarter, the Cardinals were only ahead by one point. The second quarter, however, really highlighted the Cardinals’ teamwork. Quick offensive attacks, led by freshman Erin Ng and assisted by sophomore forward Grace Wang and freshman guard Katrina Liwanag, helped the Cardinals stay strong in the game. Then a stroke of bad luck hit. Wang injured her leg and had to sit out for the rest of the game. The team fell behind in the third quarter, 29-26, even with sophomore center Cecily Barker’s impressive rebounds, Liwanag’s swiftness down the court and Ng’s killer jump shots. The team fought hard until the very end but came up short against the Eagles, losing 42-40.
Still, the Cards went out like champions. They gained much more than just a second-place title. They formed strong bonds and managed to make their coach very happy.
“I’m so proud of them,” Christensen said. “They stuck with the game plan and cut down on Wash’s transition game. As a JV coach, my job is to prepare and train the girls for varsity, and as of now, I feel many of them would make a big contribution (to varsity) next year.”

Most Valuable Player
    What defines a great basketball player? Is it offensive and defensive skills? Or is it leadership? The Lowell’s choice for most valuable player is freshman guard Erin Ng, who fits both descriptions. Her tiny stature is misleading: Ng should not be underestimated. Facing opponents that tower above her, Ng has the speed factor. No opponent can stop her as she dashes down court and uses her quick judgment to call plays.
On the court, Ng is guard; off the court, she is much more. Ng is a great leader and contributed greatly in uniting the team — the reason for their success this season.