After winning back-to-back San Diego Section championships, the Victory Christian Academy girls basketball team is starting a new era under new head coach Robert Luna.
The Lady Knights tipped off the 2022-23 winter sports season with a modest 3-6 record with growing expectations.
“We have a very low amount of returners but of the seven returners four are seniors,” Luna said. “Expectations are to change the culture and do well in games. I want to play really exciting games, fast with a lot of pressure. I think it’s an exciting way to play basketball.”
VCA defeated High Tech High San Diego to win the 2021 Division V title and topped Steele Canyon a year later to wear the Division IV crown to advance four rounds deep into the ensuing state playoffs.
The Lady Knights tipped off this season with an 88-41 tournament home court win over Vista on Nov. 14 as senior Brianna Matthews poured in 41 points and sophomore Sofia Abella dropped in 25 points. Matthews grabbed 18 rebounds for good measure.
Victory Christian defeated La Jolla, 47-36, on Nov. 29 and Valhalla, 59-37, on Dec. 5.
Losses have come against Poway (62-47 on Nov. 16), Francis Parker (54-40 on Nov. 21), Mater Dei Catholic (88-65 on Nov. 22), Mt. Carmel (87-71 on Dec. 3), Helix Charter (50-44 on Dec. 9) and Granite Hills (44-29 on Monday).
In the game against Helix Charter, the host Lady Knights built an early 8-3 lead before going down 9-8 at the end of the first quarter. The teams exchanged leads the rest of the way, with the Lady Highlanders holding a 20-16 lead before the Lady Knights went ahead 30-26.
The visitors led 38-37 heading into the final quarter. Helix extended its lead to 42-37 courtesy of a three-point shot. A trey by Abella narrowed the score to 48-42 late in the contest.
Lady Highlander senior Alethze Marquez led the victors with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Victory Christian Academy’s girls and boys teams will both be exploring new territory as a first-year member of the Metro Conference’s South Bay League.
