Costa Mesa takes Sage Hill

The Costa Mesa High girls basketball team held off a mild run by

visiting Sage Hill and gained the upper hand, securing a 39-30

victory in a consolation quarterfinal matchup in the Costa Mesa

tournament Tuesday.

The Mustangs (4-8) got off to an early lead in the first half and

entered the third quarter with a 22-12 edge. When Sage started

creeping back in the fourth quarter, junior Judie Akansel and senior

Heather Cluff hit two big baskets to keep the Lightning at bay.

Akansel led the Mustangs with a game-high 12 points, while also

grabbing six rebounds. Senior Bethany Vergara, who made five

three-pointers Monday against El Toro, added another three-pointer to

contribute to her nine points against the Lightning (2-5).

Junior Deanna Sanchez also hit a three-pointer against the

Lightning, and finished with six points and six rebounds.

The Lightning took charge on the inside, with 6-foot-2 junior

Haywood Wright scoring 10 points and 6-2 junior Katie Puishys adding

six.

Kaitlin Tyre also tallied six points for Sage.

Costa Mesa faces Saugus today at 1:30 p.m. in a consolation

semifinal matchup. Sage is scheduled to play Dominguez today at 10:30

a.m.