Woodbridge back on top in PCL

February 12, 2015 10:07 PM

By TIM BURT

Staff Writer - Orange County Register

Woodbridge’s girls basketball team earned a share of the Pacific Coast League crown, defeating Beckman, 60-33, Thursday night at Woodbridge.

Woodbridge, Beckman and Corona del Mar came into the game tied for first place.

The Warriors share the league title with Corona del Mar, which defeated Northwood, 52-49, on Thursday at Corona del Mar.

A coin flip will determine which team will be the No. 1 squad in terms of the CIF playoffs, according to Woodbridge coach Eric Bangs.

Woodbridge was determined to bring home the title. The Warriors had a streak of four consecutive league titles snapped last year.

Beckman (15-10, 7-3) was trying to win its first league title. But Woodbridge settled the issue early, jumping out to a 16-5 lead after one quarter.

Woodbridge led, 38-12, at halftime and was in command the rest of the way.

“It’s not like we didn’t think we could win it (the title) but having Bonnie (Sarchet) out early and Jasmine (Rachal) for 15 games (after returning from an injury), it was a battle,” Bangs said.

“Defensively, wow, 33 points, that’s pretty good. Give that to (assistant) coach Pete Belanto and his game plan. We actually did an even better job than the first time we played them.”

Woodbridge (19-7, 8-2) was led by Annika Walker, who had 19 points. Anjali Ghadiyaram and Rachal added 11 points each for the Warriors.

Beckman was led by Kiara Quinn with 10 points.

“This is a really nice win for the kids because we go as either the first or second rep,” Bangs said. “The accomplishment of bringing a title back after all the injuries ... it’s pretty rewarding.”

Woodbridge defeated Beckman, 67-45, on Jan. 23 and was determined to win again.

“I’m so glad we won the league championship,” Walker said. “It’s great to do it my senior year and go out with a bang. We all played really well. We come ready to play Beckman every time. It’s a game we know we have to come to play to win. We did so both times thankfully.”

Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com