PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran gets big road victory over Bishop Amat in regional opener

Taylor Feldman of Crean Lutheran drives to the basket Tuesday. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano)

Crean Lutheran’s girls basketball team opened the CIF State Southern California Regional with a hard fought 45-42 victory on the road Tuesday night over No. 7 seed Bishop Amat, the CIF 2A champion.

Crean Lutheran (28-5) was the CIF 3AA runner-up. The Saints lost to Santa Monica 44-40, in the championship game Saturday. The Saints came into the regional tournament as the No. 10 seed.

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

Crean Lutheran players and fans celebrate Tuesday's victory.

Crean Lutheran Coach Bianca Ziemann provides advice to her players Tuesday.

Hailee Daniel of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot Thursday.

Crean Lutheran fans support their team Tuesday night.

Trinity Cha of Crean Lutheran drives to the basket.

Shannon O'Malley of Crean Lutheran takes a shot Tuesday night.

The Saints celebrate as the seconds wind down Tuesday night.

Crean Lutheran players Hailee Daniel and Trinity Cha celebrate the victory.

Crean Lutheran advances into the second round Thursday night on the road against No. 2 Palisades at 7 p.m.

“Overall, the coaching staff and players did not want our season to end,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Bianca Ziemann. “The girls played their hearts out and left everything on the court tonight.”

Leading scorers for Crean Lutheran were Taylor Feldman with 14 points, Hailee Daniel with 11 points (5 of 6 free throws) and 13 rebounds, Shannon O’Malley with 11 points (2 of 2 free throws) and five rebounds and Trinity Cha, who scored seven points along with four rebounds and three steals.

Cha also took a charge which was a “huge momentum shift,” Ziemann said.