The girls basketball team defeated Notre Dame 60-38 Jan. 27 at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The team is 2-1 since and 18-10 overall going into the CIF playoffs.

After a 13-13 score at the end of the first quarter against Notre Dame, forward Jordyn Call ’23 said the entire team increased their level of play. They led after the second quarter by a margin of two, the third by eight, and the fourth by nine. Call said the win was truly a team effort.

“Our [game against] Notre Dame at UCLA was so much fun,” Call said. “Everyone on the team contributed to that win whether it was key rebounds, assists, defensive plays, important buckets. “Everyone did what they needed to do that day and it really showed in the stats.”

Following the teams showing at Pauley Pavilion, the team beat Marlborough 56-52 and lost to Chaminade 63-50, finishing third overall in Mission League. Call said she is confident the team can be successful in the playoffs.

“We need to continue being aggressive and coming out strong and taking control of the game rather than playing catch up,” Call said. “When our team comes ready to play, there isn’t a team in our division that can beat us.”

Forward Bella Spencer ‘25 said that with playoffs approaching, the teams showing at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion gave the team a taste of what D1 basketball may feel like in their futures.

“Playing in Pauley Pavilion was easily one of the coolest experiences ever for me,” Spencer said. “The loud environment and cheering crowd only further hyped us up and got us more excited to play harder and come out with a win. My dream has always been to play in college and growing up in a Bruin household having the opportunity to play in Pauley was incredible and a dream come true for me.” 

The team plays its first CIF playoff game on Feb. 9. Spencer said whatever happens in the tournament, her team has exceeded expectations and has had an amazing season.

“I am so extremely proud of our team,” Spencer said. “Nobody would have thought or believed we could make it as far as we have.”