![“[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)
Varsity girls basketball prevailed against Monte Vista 60-42 at home on Jan. 13, qualifying for the Central Coast Section Championships with an out-of-league game win.
Although the Eagles lost the tipoff, they recovered with a layup from center Sanika Das (9). Monte Vista tried to respond, but the Eagles extended their lead with two layups from co-captain and guard Isabella Lo (11), a 3-pointer from co-captain and guard Claire Miao (12) and a field goal from guard Isha Kotalwar (12), bringing the score to 15-9. Claire put up two more points on the scoreboard and ended the first quarter 17-9 for the Eagles.
The Eagles maintained their momentum throughout the second quarter, with forward Selena Chen (9) and Isabella both scoring 3-pointers. Harker controlled the pace of the game while playing solid defense, forcing the Mustangs to call a timeout at 27-9. Following the time out, forward Finley Ho (9) made a 3-pointer, and co-captain and center Emily Mitnick (11) and Isabella both made layups. Harker closed the first half of the game 35-16.
Monte Vista pushed to tie the score in the third quarter, leading Harker to call a timeout early in the second half. Finley’s 3-pointer regained control in the Eagles’ favor, and Claire and Isabella followed suit with a free throw and 3-pointer, respectively, helping the Eagles maintain their lead 44-25.
“Our mindset was that we needed to come in with a lot of energy, execute our plays and establish a lead from the start,” Emily said. “We played well during this game, and we accomplished our goals.”
Over the course of the fourth quarter, Isha scored two layups. Harker remained consistent in their offense, pressuring the Mustangs to call a final timeout. The Eagles finished the game 60-42.
This year’s team comprises five underclassmen, four of them being frosh and four upperclassmen. Despite the younger nature of the team, they have been able to garner wins in league play. Selina notes how the upperclassmen continuously provide support for the frosh and strive to strengthen the team’s bonds.
“Being able to take part in bringing Harker to CCS is something that motivates me to persevere and get better at the sport,” Selina said. “I believe that qualifying for CCS couldn’t have happened without the efforts of the upperclassmen to both motivate and guide the frosh.”
The team faces Eastside College Prep next in a home game on Tuesday.
