The St. Monica girls basketball team had a losing record when it went to the Providence Tournament last week and demonstrated an ability to win close games.
St. Monica opened with a 42-18 win over Carpinteria, then prevailed against Immaculate Heart, 48-44 and Providence 41-40 before losing to Arrowhead Christian 55-29.
None of the team’s statistical leaders are seniors. Junior Alexandria Pegnato is the scoring leader (13.0), followed by freshman Ashlee Bautista (11.1). The leader in rebounding is junior Melissa Palmeiri (5.9).
The Santa Monica girls are 7-1, despite the graduation of last season’s star players. The Vikings will begin Ocean League play at home Wednesday, January 11, against Morningside. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Crossroads girls, who have a 1-7 record, will be home against New Roads on January 4 at 6 p.m.
New Roads is 4-5 following a 62-49 loss to Mesa Grande of Calimesa.
Brentwood was defeated by Carlsbad, 57-55 in the Santa Barbara Tournament.
Venice has a 6-2 record. Its latest victory was a 69-53 win over San Marcos.
In boys’ play, New Roads improved its record to 7-3 with a 87-48 rout of Mesa Grande Academy of Calimesa. On January 4 New Roads will play a non-league game at Crossroads.
Santa Monica played powerful Villa Park and absorbed a 71-58 defeat, leaving the Vikings with a 7-4 record. Villa Park is 8-1.
With no games during the past week St. Monica remained at 6-6, but Crossroads fell to 1-9 with a 59-55 loss to Windward.
Palisades lost at Birmingham, 76-72. The Dolphins are 5-4.
