As the 2024-2025 girls’ basketball season approaches its end, the Archbishop Riordan varsity team proved themselves as a team not to be underestimated. Ranked 3rd in the WCAL, with an impressive overall record of 16 wins and only 7 losses, the Crusaders have made great progress in their second year as part of the WCAL. With guidance from Head Coach Will Watkins and new coaches, the team has embraced challenges and brought on a competitive fight.

Maxine Sutisna ’25 reflected on the team’s growth, “Since the start of the season. We’ve really come together. Even though we started off with some differences, we’ve built great chemistry together.”

Sutisna also commented on how being a part of the league has pushed the girls to work even harder. “This year has been more competitive. Every game has been intense and we’ve stepped up to each challenge.”

The Crusaders have battled against some of the top teams in the state, proving their hard work and competitiveness against teams like Archbishop Mitty. The girls started off this season strong with three promising wins in San Diego during the pre-season.

During their time in San Diego, the Crusaders beat C.K. McClatchy, one of the top-ranked teams in Northern California, in overtime. As the season moves into the CCS playoffs, the team hopes to make it to the State Championships. Last week, they defeated SI 49-45.

With a strong season behind them and a continuous build in motivation, the girls’ basketball team is sure to leave a lasting mark in this year’s season.