GIRLS’ ROUNDUP : Earle Scores 25 as Estancia Beats Fountain Valley in Marina Tournament

A hard-to-crack defense and the shooting of guard Melody Earle carried Estancia High School to a 65-36 victory over Fountain Valley Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Marina girls’ basketball tournament.

Earle made 11 of 18 shots from the floor and three of five free throws to lead all scorers with 25 points. Junior forward Monique Sweet added 15 points for Estancia (11-0), the third-ranked team in Orange County.

Senior center Robin Cordrey, who had 12 rebounds, was the defensive standout for the Eagles. Forward Patrice Lumpkin had eight points and seven rebounds for Estancia.

The Eagles jumped to a quick 10-0 lead and never looked back. They led, 29-18, at the half and built the lead to 42-20 with 3 minutes 35 seconds remaining in the third quarter on four baskets by Earle and a couple by Sweet.

Estancia shot 43% from the floor (26 of 60) and its defense held Fountain Valley (6-6) to 26% shooting (13 of 49). Fountain Valley made only one shot from the floor in the third quarter.

Jodi Bixler had eight points for Fountain Valley.