Aiyana Taylor’19 knocks down a free throw. (Charlie Sabgir’20)

Coming off weeks of team practice beginning in early November, the CA girls basketball team finally received its first tests of the season. The Vikes clashed with Genoa Christian on Monday, November 27, Groveport Madison on Tuesday, November 28, and London on Saturday, December 2. 

The girls came out hot to begin their season against Genoa Christian at home, with an impressive team effort on both ends of the court. A pair of early threes by junior Jenny L’Hommedieu, along with turnovers caused by Academy’s swarming press helped propel the Vikes to a 13-12 lead at the half. 

The Vikings and Lions turned up their defensive energy after the break, resulting in a low-scoring third quarter. CA maintained its 1-point lead heading into the final period, and the stage was set for what looked to be an exciting finish. 

The two teams passed the lead back and forth, and the score was knotted at 21 with just a few minutes remaining. But the Vikes took control, as Charlotte Adams’21 scored a basket with just over a minute to play, and a steal by Kiersten Thomassey’20 on the ensuing possession led to a fast break layup. Genoa was stunned, as it now trailed by 5. The Lions could not produce a miracle comeback, and the buzzer sounded with the scoreboard showing a 27-22 season-opening victory for the Vikings. Crucial plays down the stretch from Adams and Thomassey, who had 7 fourth quarter points, helped lead their team to a 1-0 start to the season.

The action continued the following night, as CA traveled to Groveport Madison. The Vikes, playing without Thomassey, fell 40-20. The first quarter was closely contested, but the Cruisers eventually pulled away. Senior Tori Abell led Academy with 6 points for the game.

The Vikes capped off their week on Saturday afternoon with a home game against an always-strong London team. CA lost handily to the Red Raiders, but two more home games this upcoming week might help turn the tides.