San Clemente (27-3) vs. Irvine (24-6)
2:45 TODAY PYRAMID, LONG BEACH STATE
These teams split games this season, with Irvine winning in overtime, 78-77, on Kristin Thawley’s last-second layup, and San Clemente winning in regulation, 43-40. Irvine’s Ali Grechko has stepped up in recent games, scoring 19 in a quarterfinal win over El Toro and 11 in a semifinal victory over Murrieta Valley. With Jody Carlson and Thawley solid contributors inside, Grechko’s contributions could open things up even more. So could Staci Morita, a 45.1% shooter from the three-point line. This is Irvine’s first trip beyond the quarterfinals, while San Clemente has been to the title game three of the last four seasons. The Tritons are looking for their first championship. San Clemente, which will need a solid defensive performance inside to win, is hitting its stride too. The Tritons beat Moreno Valley, 70-60, after opening up a 22-point lead, in a semifinal; Moreno Valley had been ranked No. 2 in the division going into the playoffs. Reserve Ashley Housley has scored in double figures in San Clemente’s last two games.
LINEUPS
San Clemente
G Sara Brown, So.
5 points, 5.2 rebounds
G Kim Buffum, Sr.
7 points, 5.4 assists
F Lindsey Pluimer, Fr.
12.7 points, 8.7 rebounds
F Kristin Jenkins, Sr.
9.6 points, 8.3 rebounds
C Megan Blackshire Jr.
12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds
Irvine
G Staci Morita, Sr.
9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds
G Nikki Kamada, Jr.
7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds
F Ali Grechko, Sr.
11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds
F Kristin Thawley, Jr.
16.6 points, 8.5 rebounds
F Jody Carlson, Sr.
12.2 points, 9.8 rebounds
