In falling to Willow Glen, 52-41, in the opening round of the CCS Division III playoffs Tuesday night at Paly, the Vikings' performance was indicative of their final 13-13 record--average.
"It was the same old problem," said Kendall Simmons Sr., the team's frustrated head coach. "We went totally out of our game plan. We weren't patient, we had turnovers at the wrong time . . ."
As has been the case in almost every game this season, Paly had a chance to win--only to throw that opportunity away.
Down 36-22 with time running out in the third quarter, Paly rallied as senior Sarah Whitney scored six points during a 10-0 run that brought the Vikings to within 36-22 just into the fourth quarter.
Paly, however, allowed consecutive layins for a 40-32 deficit. After consecutive baskets by senior Rachel Ching--she led Paly with 15 points--brought the Vikings to within 42-36, Willow Glen stole a pass following an inbounds play and scored for a 44-36 advantage. The Rams then hit six of nine free throws in the final 2:00 to seal the victory.
--Keith Peters
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