In its first victory of the season, over the holiday break, Upper Perkiomen's girls basketball team proved it can succeed when it displays unity, according to head

Upper Perk's Riley Decker, center, blocks a shot by a Pottstown player in Saturday's game. Decker scored 23 points against the Trojans.

coach Kathryne Vetter. She said the team also displayed an ability to score points.

            "When we work together and play tough, we can win," Vetter said.

            Last week, the Indians resumed their schedule with a 55-23 loss to Phoenixville in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. Kaitlyn Mundy scored a team-high 12 points. The senior, who contributed five steals, scored 10 of her points on drives to the basket.

            "As a four-year starter, Kaitlyn has a lot more confidence than the other players," Vetter said. "The goal is to get everyone else to her level, but it's going to take some time." 

            Ayden Pigeon, Samantha Durkin and Krysta Le each contributed four points in the Pioneer Athletic Conference game on Thursday, Jan. 3. 

            Ameerah Green scored a game-high 17 points and Aubrey Breisblatt delivered 14 points for the visiting Phantoms, who built an early 9-2 advantage and led 19-7 after one quarter.

            After the game, Vetter praised her team's effort. She said she is pleased whenever the team plays hard with intensity and respect.

            "You could say this program is on the right track," the coach said. "The offense is doing a better job running though the plays and is taking better shots. The girls are learning to work together as a team."

            In two games at the Octorara Christmas Tournament in December, Upper Perkiomen's offense averaged 46.5 points. Despite 29 points from Mundy in the opener, the team lost 68-45 to Chichester on Dec. 26.

            The next night, Mundy and Ayden Pidgeon led the Indians to a 46-32 victory over the host Braves. Mundy posted 13 points and Pidgeon added 11 points to help them reel off 29 points in the second half.

            "Getting that first win was very exciting," Pidgeon said. "We were all focused on getting it. We really wanted it."

            Pigeon said her game, specifically her ball handling skills and her confidence, has improved this season.

            Vetter expressed full confidence in Pidgeon as a ball handler. "She's a very good point guard," the coach said of the junior. "She needs to build on her confidence."

            Early on against Phoenixville, the Indians struggled against a full-court trap. They committed 10 turnovers in the first quarter. 

            "The Phantoms had a good press," the coach said. "It had us a little frazzled from the start. But we figured it out."

            On Saturday, the Indians lost 47-29 to Pottstown in the PAC. Mundy scored a team-high 10 points and Kelsey Bernhart added nine points.

            Kiyah Cotton delivered 13 points, 10 steals and 7 rebounds to help the host Trojans notch their first win of the season. Riley Owens contributed nine points and 11 rebounds.

            Three days later, Upper Perkiomen lost 59-22 to Pope John Paul II. Mundy paced the team with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the foul line. Olivia Rogers contributed eight points.