Though the search for a victory remains elusive, Olivia Rogers says unity has allowed the Upper Perkiomen girls basketball team remain competitive. Any sense of

Kelsey Bernhart drives to the basket during Upper Perkiomen's loss to Upper Merion.

defeatism from last year is gone, according to the junior.

            "We've come together as a team," Rogers said. "We believe in ourselves a lot more than last year."

           According to the 5-foot-7 swing player, the Indians took the court last year with at least one player who always believed they would lose. She said that feeling has been replaced by optimism.

          "That unity has helped everyone," said Rogers, who added seven rebounds

          Last week, the Tribe displayed that enthusiasm in a 38-25 loss to Upper Merion in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. Rogers scored a team-high 10 points before fouling out. Hannah Keeney delivered seven points, and Ayden Pigeon registered six points and three steals.

          Despite an early 12-2 deficit, the team mounted multiple rallies to keep the game close through three quarters. Pigeon converted two free throws to get it within 14-12 late in the second quarter. Keeney's 3-pointer late in third quarter, which capped a 9-2 flurry, pulled Upper Perkiomen within 29-23.

          However, the visiting Vikings scored nine of the final 11 points to preserve their victory. Katie Frey and Morgan Donovan each registered four points during the decisive run. Frey and Hannah Foster each scored a game-high 12 points. Frey, a senior post player, and Donovan each contributed 10 rebounds.

          Indians head coach Matthew Bowe described the support of the bench for the players on the floor as the best current aspect of the team. He also said the vocal support from the stands is also helpful.

          "I'm thrilled with the effort," Bowe said. "There's so much energy. The girls don't give up. Even when they were down 13 points, they played like it was two-point game."

          According to the Rogers, the players' on-court attitude had improved significantly. She said that last year there was always at least one player on the court who did not believe the team could win.

          "That feeling spread throughout the team," Rogers said.

          Against Upper Merion, the host Tribe (0-3 PAC, 0-5 overall) committed 32 turnovers. Twelve occurred in the first quarter, as the team struggled against a full-court trap. The miscues helped allow the Vikings to build an early 12-2 lead.

          Bowe attributed the ball handing and passing issues, as well as the appearance of erratic shooting, to his players' inability to convert while exerting 100 percent energy. He explained that as the game slows down for the girls, and learns a new scheme, their decision making will improve.

          "It's a matter of unlearning what they did previously and learning a new system," the coach said. "The girls are very adaptive."

            On Tuesday night, the Indians lost 58-9 to Pottsgrove in the conference. Rogers pace the team with five points. Bailey Cahill, a sophomore, and ninth grader Jenna Haines each added two points.

            The team resumes its conference schedule at home Thursday night against Methacton as part of a doubleheader. A road game against Boyertown is scheduled for Saturday.