PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran earns a trip to CIF finals with 51-45 road win over Mira Costa

Crean Lutheran players, coaches and fans celebrate after Saturday night’s victory. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs/Ted Rigoni)

Crean Lutheran’s girls basketball team earned a trip to the CIF 3AA finals, defeating Mira Costa 51-45 Saturday night in the semifinals at El Segundo High.

The third-seeded Saints (26-4) earned a trip in the championship game Saturday at 10 a.m. at Azusa Pacific University against top-seeded Santa Monica, which defeated Lancaster 53-27.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Crean Lutheran players and coaches celebrate after Saturday's victory.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano

Crean Lutheran fans show their support for the Saints.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Ted Rigoni

Taylor Feldman of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Howard Lyon

Crean Lutheran's Daelyn Johnson applies defensive pressure against Maile Nakaji of Mira Costa.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Howard Lyon

Trinity Cha of Crean Lutheran takes a shot Saturday.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Howard Lyon

Taylor Feldman of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Ted Rigoni

Hailee Daniel of Crean Lutheran (No. 24) battles for control.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Ted Rigoni

Trinity Cha of Crean Lutheran moves toward the basket.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Wendy Rueter

Shannon O'Malley takes a shot for Crean Lutheran.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Wendy Rueter

Saints players and coaches celebrate the win.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano

Crean Lutheran players celebrate the road win.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Ted Rigoni

Crean Lutheran coaches and players await the final seconds.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano

Crean Lutheran celebrates after the semifinal win.
Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Ted Rigoni.

Taylor Feldman led Crean Lutheran with 19 points. Shannon O’Malley had 18 points and five rebounds.

“First and foremost we want to thank God for this opportunity to coach in the semi-final game against a very well coached and respected girls basketball team, Mira Costa,” said Coach Bianca Ziemann after returning from the game.

“We knew going into the game it was going to take 100 percent effort on defense to stop their threats on the interior and exterior, as well as staying poised offensively against their zone defenses.

“Taylor Feldman scored 11 points in the third period to propel us into the fourth period where Shannon O’Malley closed out the game with huge three-point shots and free throws. We have stressed all year about how to be a great teammate. These girls came out and played their hearts out for their teammates, parents, fans and school. We are proud to be part of this journey with them.”

It will be Crean Lutheran’s first trip to the CIF finals since 2017 when the Saints lost to Heritage Christian in the 5AA championship game at Godinez.

Locations, days and times will be announced Sunday or Monday by the CIF. Three sites are possible, including Godinez.