San Bruno, CA — The Sequoia Varsity team opened the PAL season in commanding fashion, defeating Capuchino (San Bruno) 53-35 in a performance that highlighted the team's growth, resilience, and newfound joy on the court. Coming off a challenging 2-7 preseason, the Ravens took a step forward together, fueled by stifling defense, unselfish ball movement, and electric bench energy. From the outset, the Ravens set the tone. After finishing the first quarter with a 13-6 lead, Sequoia opened the second on a 10-0 run, building a 24-13 advantage by halftime. The momentum carried into the second half, with the Ravens closing the third quarter up 40-22 and maintaining control the rest of the way. Defensively, senior Jill Gladstone anchored the effort with an incredible individual performance, shutting down Capuchino’s top player with disciplined man defense. Jill’s relentless footwork and active hands set the tone for a defense that held Capuchino to under 30% shooting. On offense, the Ravens’ ball movement was stellar, resulting in a season-high 17 assists on 33 made field goals. Freshman guard Olivia Macuga led the charge with a game-high 22 points, including five three-pointers, while also contributing five rebounds and four assists. Senior center Desiree Huffer was a force on both ends of the floor, filling the stat sheet with 7 points, 13 rebounds (six offensive), four assists, and five steals. Her smooth backdoor pass to sophomore forward Lucy Biancalana for a score before the end of the third quarter epitomized the Ravens’ connected play. Senior forward Jada Crockett delivered an efficient performance, going 4-for-7 from the field for 8 points and finishing with a team-high +26 on the court, showcasing her ability to score both inside and out. The Ravens’ bench brought infectious energy all game, fueling their best team performance of the season. With this 53-35 win, Sequoia not only opened league play on the right foot but also showcased the joy and togetherness they’ve been building toward, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting stretch of the season. Sequoia hosts Burlingame on Friday night for a double header with JVs tipping off at 4:30pm and Varsity at 6:00pm.