Santa Ana High’s girls basketball team played in the CIF-Southern Section Div. 5AA final Saturday morning against Hillcrest at Edison, coming up just short after a comeback attempt in a 39-36 defeat.
The players took the court, with the announcer introducing the reserves from both teams, then alternating between the Saints (16-13) and Trojans (22-6) starters.
Senior Kalleigh Solis was fouled to start the game and made both free throws to give Santa Ana the early lead, while senior Mireya Arroyo provided two blocks and a layup by junior Ashley Mendoza put the Saints up 4-0.
The Trojans and Saints traded 3-pointers, with senior Yarexy Diaz connecting for Santa Ana and the score remained 7-5 for some time. Zoe Boulware made two free-throws for Hillcrest, as the first quarter ended in a 7-7 tie.
Hillcrest started to pull away a little in the second, taking a 13-8 lead on a three from Amaya Branchcomb. The lead grew to 17-9, before Kimberly Perez scored after an offensive rebound and Diaz made another 3-point shot to bring the Saints back to within three at 17-14 and the Trojans only tacked on a point before the half.
The third quarter began with a 3-pointer from junior Raylene Valadez, leading the Trojans to find a rhythm and make more baskets. Diaz responded for the Saints, however, making three 3-pointers in the third to keep her team alive heading into the fourth down seven.
The final quarter was eventful and remained back-and-forth. With one minute and 26 seconds left, the score was 35-28. Solis was able to make a three which brought the Saints within four, and the teams traded free-throw attempts from there as the comeback came up just short.
“I am super incredibly proud of how far we have come despite all the adversity we all faced this season,” captain Cynthia Silva said. “It’s hard to say what’s done, but that’s the reality, we have to move on and focus on state as our season still continues.”
Diaz said “I hope that as we begin to play for the CIF State Championship we can all continue growing our bond as a team and making it past the first round. I want my teammates to leave everything they have on the court.”
“I’m disappointed in the outcome,” coach Dana Nguyen said. “I still think that we were the better of the two. We had a hard time scoring. The game was competitive, I’m proud of the kids for not giving up. We should be proud of the run that we made in the playoffs in general and it shows the tenacity of our team, and how much they have overcome this season. But we’re not done, the job’s not done, we have an opportunity to go on and make a run for state.”
After the run through the Southern Section playoffs, the Saints were invited to the state tournament, and host a first round game against Lindsay (17-13) this afternoon at 5:30.
