PHOTOS: Cypress opens up CIF 3AA playoffs with 71-58 road victory over Segerstrom

Cypress players and coaches celebrate as the clock winds down Saturday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).

Cypress High School’s girls basketball team opened the CIF 3AA playoffs Saturday, defeating Segerstrom 71-58 at Segerstrom.

Myia Collins had 18 points and Isabella Caceres scored 16 points for Cypress.

Jan Lim scored 13 points and Lauryn Nakamura 11 points for the Centurions.

“We played an intense game, Segerstrom came out firing hot and we had to contain ourselves first before we could contain Segerstrom,” said Cypress Coach Nathaniel Rivera. “As usual Myia Collins was a force inside, Bella Caceres controlled the tempo, Jan Lim was back to hitting long range and Lauryn Nakamura and Jasmine Arnold kept the defensive intensity.

“It was a good win for us overall and I am happy for our girls to be moving to the next round in CIF.”

Cypress (21-8) moves on to the second round Wednesday. Segerstrom finished up a 15-13 record. Senior Brianna Urena had 23 points to lead the Jaguars. Stephanie Valenciano had 11 points and Faith Ledesma scored nine points.

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

Segerstrom Coach Shonyta Pouncey directs his team.

Segerstrom's Faith Ledesma puts defensive pressure on a Cypress shooter.

Myia Collins scores an easy lay-up for Cypress.

Segerstrom's Faith Ledesma moves towards the basket against Jasmine Arnold of Cypress.

Brianna Urena of Segerstrom drives to the basket while being guarded by Jan Lim of Cypress.

Isabella Caceres of Cypress drives to the basket while Segerstrom's Brianna Urena tries to stop her.

Brianna Urena of Segerstrom brings in the ball, guarded by Sara Shigekawa of Cypress.

Myia Collins of Cypress shoots a free throw.

At the end of the third quarter and trailing by two points, Cypress Coach Nathaniel Rivera talks with the team.