Eighteen days off between games is a long break for a team trying to find its rhythm. But rust wasn’t a factor for the Encinal High School (EHS) women’s basketball team when they defeated the St. Joseph Notre Dame women’s team, 64-7, on Dec. 21 on the Pilots’ home court.

EHS (1-3) won its first game of the season in convincing fashion. The Jets hadn’t played since Dec.3 due to various COIVD-19 cancellations.

“It was a great win for the team,” said EHS senior Tatiana Rebanal who scored 22 points.

The Jets led 15-0 by the end of the first quarter and 26-4 at halftime.

“(Coach told us) just to play our game and that it’s a time to work on what we need to improve,” said EHS senior Kavanti Brooks who scored 10 points.

The Jets had struggled to score in its first three contests. After losing 51-45 in the season opener against Granada High of Livermore on Nov. 29, the Jets failed to break 40 points against Branson High of Ross (66-27 on Dec. 2) and Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa (64-34).

The Jets played started play in the three-day West Coast Jamboree tournament on Dec. 28. They faced College Park High of Pleasant Hill in the first game. The games took place after the Sun went to press. EHS will next play Piedmont High School on Jan. 3, 2022, on the road.

SJND is 0-4 on the season. They will take on Oakland High School in its next game on Jan. 3.