Girls’ basketball: Serra captures Division 5AA title

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Megan Wright had 19 points, making 5 of 6 three-pointers, and Danielle Muepo added 14 points and 10 rebounds as top-seeded Gardena Serra rode a huge first quarter all the way to a decisive 66-47 victory in the Division 5AA championship tonight at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana.

Bria Richardson filled up the stat sheet for the Cavaliers (25-7) with 10 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Serra outscored the second-seeded Crusaders by just three points over the last three quarters after racing to a 22-6 lead in the first eight minutes.

Rejane Verin and Talia Rayford each had 8 points and Raven Gammage added 7 for Serra, which stepped up its game in the playoffs after finishing in a three-way tie for first place in the Del Rey League.

Valley Christian (25-7) played even with the Cavaliers in the second and third quarters but was unable to mount a serious challenge in the fourth quarter, being outscored 15-12. Kari Korver led the Crusaders with 22 points and 4 steals. Jelissa Holder added 8 points and Jamie Perez and Kristen Lester each scored 5.

-- Steve Galluzzo