The girls varsity basketball team kicked off their first game of the season against Millard North on Thursday. The Bolts fell to the Mustangs 47-43.

This year there are five seniors competing on varsity.

Norah Stewart has always had a love for basketball and has been playing since she was in kindergarten. Being a senior, Stewart strives to be a leader to her teammates.

“This year, I want to lead the girls and encourage them throughout the season,” Stewart said. “My goals for this season are to work hard every day at practice and for the team to make it to state.”

Stewart is looking forward to being with her teammates for her last season at Pius X.

“The girls that are on the team are what pushes you every day to get better,” Stewart said.

Senior Sidda Hagedorn is looking forward to cheering on her teammates throughout the season and staying consistent from game to game.

“During the second half of the game, we were able to bounce back and outscore Millard North,” Hagedorn said. “Even though we lost, it still showed how we grew as a team from the first half to the second.”

Senior Natalie Prichard has been playing competitive basketball since the second grade. She enjoys being in the positive environment that the girls display and learning from each other every game.

“My biggest role for this year is to push positivity both on and off the court,” Prichard said. “I want to show up every day and lead by example. Also, to make sure that the girls know to give it 100 percent for the good and even the bad plays.”

The team will next compete against Kearney at 2 p.m. at Elkhorn South High School on December 2.