JSerra delivered the first blow in what should be a slugfest for second place in the Trinity League.
The fourth-ranked Lions got 12 points from Julia Ackerman and 10 points from Coco Miller to edge No. 6 Orange Lutheran, 34-30, on Thursday night at Orange Lutheran High.
The game was tied, 21-21, after the third quarter, but Ackerman scored seven points in the fourth, including a 3-pointer with 4.9 seconds remaining to give the Lions (13-4, 1-1) some much-needed breathing room.
Junior guard Taelor Griffin was the only player to score in double figures for the Lancers (14-4, 1-1), with a game-high 13 points.
“When you say ‘grind’ that’s the appropriate word,” JSerra coach Mary Rossignol said. “It’s the mental toughness you have to have (in this league).”
Also in the Trinity League:
Mater Dei 70, Santa Margarita 35: The Monarchs (16-1, 2-0) jumped out to a 28-6 lead in the first quarter and cruised to their 56th straight league win. Mater Dei’s Katie Lou Samuelson led all scorers with 26 points, Andee Velasco added 14, Alley Rosenblum had 12 and Emma Torbert had 10.
In the South Coast League:
Tesoro 73, Aliso Niguel 41: Three players scored in double figures – Priya Prasad (14), Samantha Taubman (11) and Haley Ison (11) to push the Titans (15-3, 2-0) into a first-place tie with San Juan Hills. Makenna Lee and Suzette Quinlan had 10 points apiece to lead Aliso Niguel (5-14, 0-3).
In nonleague:
Fairmont Prep 53, Legacy of South Gate 33: Transfer forward Cierra Hall had her third consecutive double-double since joining the Huskies (12-2), with 17 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against the Tigers (13-9), who advanced deep into the L.A. City Division III playoffs last season.
Guards Tristen Rollon and Samantha Clement also finished in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Contact the writer: jbalan@ocregister.com
