Crean Lutheran wins showdown; Portola and Uni also capture league victories

Crean Lutheran’s girls basketball team captured its biggest win of the season Friday night, defeating Tustin 51-41 in an Empire League showdown at Crean Lutheran.

The Saints (17-2) took over sole possession of first place with the victory. Tustin (14-5, 1-1) is tied with three other teams for second place.

Taylor Feldman scored 14 points and had eight assists, Trinity Cha had 11 points and Shannon O’Malley eight points to lead Crean Lutheran.

Haille Daniel, who had been sick all week and battling a shoulder injury, contributed two points and 10 rebounds for Crean Lutheran.

Daelyn Johnson (seven points) and Maya Bland (six points) also contributed off the bench for the Saints.

“We played a very good team tonight that has had a great season under Coach (Claire) Gocke,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Bianca Ziemann. “What we accomplished tonight was attributed 100 percent towards the focus we’ve had all season, teamwork.

“We executed our game plan and we played together despite the momentum shifts the game brings. I couldn’t be more proud of our Crean girls basketball team.”

Portola 55, Northwood 43: The Bulldogs (12-5) remained in a tie for first place in the Pacific Coast League with Woodbridge and University. Allyson Tabayoyong scored 24 points, Maddy Noh 10 points and Donia Maymoun nine points to lead Portola.

Northwood (7-8, 0-2) was led by Alexis Chang with 17 points, Amanda Endres with 11 and Kara Chu with eight points.

University 58, Irvine 31: The Trojans were led by Claire Kawata, who scored 26 points and Aryn Press, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds.