Lily Simolon scored 15 points — including 10 in the decisive fourth quarter, and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Bishop Diego to a 43-36 Tri-Valley League win over St. Bonaventure Thursday.
Galilea De La Cruz added 10 points for the Cardinals, who improved to 4-1 in league play and 20-3 overall.
The game was tight until the last few minutes. Bishop Diego led 17-14 at the half.
“Every time we gave up the lead we would get a big 3-point shot,” Cardinals coach Jeff Burich said. “The first was from Jiali Coronado and the second was Lara Henichin. They gave us a huge lift when we needed it.”
Then the defense of Simolon, Citlali Morales and Siena Urzua late in the game made the difference.
“Lily’s fourth quarter was impressive,” Burich said. “When their post player scored six points early in the fourth, her mindset changed and Lily kept her from scoring again.
“Lily then scored 10 points and made 4-of-5 free throws, converting a 3-point play late, and made four straight feee throws that gave us a nine-point lead. She was not going to let us lose. I couldn’t be more happy for her.”
It was a great game for all five seniors, Simolon, Morales, Urzua, Grace Eck and Mileyni Sanchez.
The Cardinals play at Foothill Tech, 4-0 in the TVL, next Thursday for a share of the league championship.