The Bruins girls varsity basketball team took on the Wilcox Chargers on Tuesday, their game dedicated to raising awareness for pediatrics cancer. However, ending with a score of 33-42, the Bruins were not able to overcome their opponent’s defense.

Many supporters, including the SCHS band and cheerleaders, came to cheer on the players, raising spirits throughout the game.

The game started off with a three pointer from senior Yvette Delgado with some help from her teammates who protected her from the Wilcox defense.

After a flurry of fouls from both sides, the Bruins had three fouls and Wilcox had two.

The number of fouls continued to rise rapidly as the quarter went on, and both sides gained many points from the free shots they received. At the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 10-10 with a total of nine fouls.

As the second quarter commenced, Wilcox received free shots from two more fouls by Santa Clara, with Wilcox taking the lead by 10-12. The Bruins tried to close the gap, but the second quarter ended at 20-23.

The second half of the game began with several turnovers from both sides, including junior Bonnie Liu snatching a Charger pass from the air.

Wilcox began to expand their lead as the Bruins struggled to cope with the onslaught of shots at the basket, the score at 20-29 at the halfway point of the third quarter. The Chargers kept their lead even with a three pointer from junior Magali Urresti.

The offensive plays of both sides brought more cheering from the stands as onlookers called out to their teams.

The third quarter ended with Wilcox in the lead at 27-34. A few seconds after the last quarter began, senior Dejah Swanson scored a three pointer, decreasing the gap to 30-34.

But the Chargers were able to continue their lead. Though the Bruins fought back with many turnovers, the game ended at 33-42.

With the loss, the Bruins are determined to improve their offensive strategy.

“We have good defense, we [have] good hustle, a good heart, but right now we’re struggling offensively,” said coach Melodee Kiyota.

But even with the defeat, the team looks forward to moving up in the season.

“I’m really looking forward to getting better as a team, offensively, defensively, and trying to rack up more wins,” said junior Kayleigh Watanabe. “Hopefully we’ll have enough to get into CCS playoffs.”