Uni girls basketball team celebrates after winning third consecutive PCL title

University’s girls basketball team poses for a picture after winning the PCL title Tuesday night. (Photo courtesy University basketball, For OC Sports Zone)

University’s girls basketball team captured its third consecutive Pacific Coast League title Tuesday night, defeating Beckman 58-48 at University.

University (13-14, 8-1) has a two-game lead over Portola and Woodbridge, who are tied for second place with 6-3 records. Beckman is in fourth place with a 5-4 mark.

“We’re extremely proud of the girls,” said University Coach Fidel Vargas. “They’ve come a long way since preseason, working hard to implement a new system and culture.

“It was a team effort with Claire Kawata and Aryn Press leading the way. We still have some work to do. The girls are not done. Tremendously thankful and blessed to be part of this team.”

Kawata scored 21 points and Press had 15 points to lead the Trojans, who led 32-21 at halftime. Kawata has also broken the career 3-point record, surpassing Malia Goldsmith’s total of 143. She has 160 in her career with one more game remaining Thursday vs. Woodbridge.