November 23, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Saddleback High girls basketball team earns a spot in CIF 5A semifinals

Saddleback coaches Al Martinez (middle) and assistant Dan Lara talk to the Roadrunners during a timeout Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy Saddleback basketball)

Saddleback High’s girls basketball team notched a 53-37 victory over Milliken Community Wednesday night at Saddleback in the quarterfinal round of the CIF 5A playoffs to advance into the semifinals Friday night.

The Roadrunners will face Bishop Conaty-Lorreto game Friday night in the semifinals on the road.

Saddleback was led by Karime Lopez with 12 points, Desiree Quero and Juliana Tarrosa with nine points each and Maria Martinez and Daisy Flores with eight points each.

“It was a hard fought game by every player that stepped onto the court,” said assistant coach Dan Lara. “The energy from the fans really propelled our defensive tenacity.

“We knew that it’s win or go home so we gave it our best shot. We are excited that we are heading to the semifinals but our mission doesn’t stop there.”

In its successful playoff run, Saddleback (18-11) also defeated Connelly 58-21 in a wild card game, Pacifica Christian 48-15 and California School for the Deaf 46-24.

The team’s head coach is Al Martinez and the other assistant coach is Ros Turner.