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Damian Calhoun. Sports Newsroom Assistant.

// MORE INFORMATION: Associate Mug Shot taken August 24, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM – The goals are still in reach for the Esperanza girls basketball team, and that means the first round went according to plan.

The Aztecs, who are the ninth seed in the CIF-SS Division 3AA playoffs, were led by Maddi Catalano’s 18 points in a 48-26 home victory over Orange on Thursday night.

The Aztecs (16-9) will be at home against Indio in the second round Saturday night.

Orange, the fourth-place team from the Golden West League, ends the season 15-12. 

“I’m real proud of my girls,” Esperanza coach James Valverde said. “The effort and hustle they showed is what gets us to our 16th win. Our thing is hustle and heart, that’s what we’re all about.”

Last year, the Aztecs won 17 games and advanced to the second round of the CIF playoffs.

“Getting into the next round, we’re going to have to take care of the ball better, but I thought the defense was pretty good tonight,” Valverde said. “Maddi hit some big shots when we needed it.”

Catalano had four of the Aztecs’ eight 3-pointers.

The Aztecs led 11-2 after the first period and 23-8 at halftime.

Nicole Larson added 12 points. Amanda Williams had seven points and came up with several blocks.

“For the most part, we can do better, but we’re happy with the win and we’re moving on to the second round,” Valverde said. “If we take care of the ball, get shots off (on offense), we’re pretty good.

“We’re hoping to get one more win and get to the third round this year.”

Arianna Hernandez led the Panthers with nine points.