The girls basketball team has started off their season on a winning streak and is now tied for first in its conference with a 5-1 record.

The team began the season on a five-game winning series, having already beaten division rivals such as Lynbrook and Gunn high schools.

With the help of their uniquely strong defense strategy, they have been able to best the majority of their opponents.

Several comebacks made by the team have shown the effectiveness of these tactics.

“Our strong defensive strategy is what really sets us apart from a lot of other teams,” center sophomore Thea Enache said.

After losing its star shooter, Carly Leong, at the end of last year, the Vikings’ shooting has seen a significant decrease in accuracy.  This loss in talent has been especially noticeable from behind the 3-point line.

In order to make up for the offensive losses and continue to dominate the division, the team chose to heavily focus on its defensive tactics.

To do so, the team scouts the opposing teams’ playstyles heavily based on their style of offensive play and formulates a defensive plan catered to that style.

The team’s chemistry on the court has also helped fuel the winning streak. Its ability to move the ball and use of the passing game has allowed players to consistently get inside the key and make layups.

The team’s bench has also played a key role in the team’s success, both through providing an abundance of strong players and by setting the tone of the game from off the court.

“The team’s energy from both on and off the court (has been a source of its success),” Scott Peters, the team’s head coach, said.

The strong bench has also been a large contributor to the team’s ability to score points in the second half, leading them to multiple victories near the end of the game.

The team hopes to continue to carry the initial momentum from the first half of the season throughout the rest of the six remaining league games.

“If we keep playing the way we are, I think we have a good chance at the playoffs,” Enache said.

The team’s undefeated record was cut short last Friday due to a loss to Los Altos High School.

While the Vikings won’t maintain a perfect record as they did last year, the team has a very good shot at placing at the top of the division and advancing to the league playoffs.

The Vikings will face off  next against the Saratoga High Falcons next Tuesday in Saratoga and will play the Wilcox High Chargers next Friday at Paly.