![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
On Tuesday, February 21st, Varsity Girl’s Basketball faced the Greenfield High Bruins for the first round of CCS.
The Lady Eagles started the game off strong during the first quarter. Highlights include multiple layups made by co-captain Priscilla Auyeung (11). Co-captain Daniza Rodriguez (11) also forced the last second turnover and made a buzzer beater, bringing the score to 26-9 with Eagles leading.
The Bruins strengthened their defense in the second quarter, though the Eagles maintained the 38-15 lead. The two teams scored back and forth until the last second, when Priscilla scored a three-pointer at the buzzer.
During the third quarter, both teams continued scoring back and forth. The quarter peaked when Daniza stole and scored and Nithya Vemireddy (10) made two freethrows in the last minute, ending with the score 50-23.
The Eagles faced tougher offensive play from the Bruins in the fourth quarter, until Shreya Vemuri (11) scored a three-pointer within the first half. They finished the game strong with a score of 57 to Greenfield’s 38.
“It’s my second year going to CCS, so it’s nice that we are continuing the momentum from last year,” Priscilla said. “[I’m] anxious [and] ready to go into the next few games.”
Coach Alfredo Alves felt good about the first game of CCS.
“They took care of the job. Everybody played well, came out on fire, and played good defense […]. I think they had fun, and that’s what’s the main thing.”
Be sure to catch the Girl’s Basketball away game this Thursday against Sacred Heart Preparatory School.
