SOUTH COAST LEAGUE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL : Waldner Sets Record in San Clemente Victory Over Capistrano Valley

In a battle between San Clemente’s shooting and Capistrano Valley’s rebounding, Alicia Waldner stepped to the forefront and led the Tritons to a 48-44 victory Thursday at San Clemente.

Waldner set a school record, making five three-pointers, as San Clemente (16-5, 6-2) clinched a playoff spot.

“Her shots had been looking great in practice,” Coach Mary Mulligan said. “But she’s been short in the games. Tonight, she just got some open shots.”

The Cougars (12-10, 4-4) dominated San Clemente in the paint, scoring most of their points there, and outrebounded the Tritons, 43-33.

Holly Lowe had 14 rebounds, Jennifer Garrett had nine and Katie Scott finished with eight. Susan Scott had 18 points and seven rebounds for Capistrano Valley.

“They are going to dominate the boards,” Mulligan said. “We assume that coming into the game. So without the three-pointers, we lose the game.”

Waldner finished with 15 points, and Michelle Macintyre led San Clemente (16-5, 6-2) with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

However, Capistrano Valley was able to limit Macintyre’s scoring chances.

“They took Michelle out of the game at times,” Mulligan said. “But, Alicia (Waldner), Heather (Hollis) and Kate (Turnbull) picked up some of the slack.”

Trailing, 46-44, with 42 seconds remaining, Capistrano Valley had a chance to tie the score, but Cara Heymon stepped out of bounds after she caught an in-bounds pass.

Heather Hollis followed for San Clemente with a baseline jumpshot, with eight seconds left.

The Tritons took a 25-18 lead at halftime, after three-pointers by Waldner and Macintyre.

In other league games:

Mater Dei 85, El Toro 33--Melody Peterson had 20 points and nine assists and Adrienne Botana added 19 for No. 4 Mater Dei (18-3, 8-0), which remained alone in first place. El Toro is 4-15, 0-8.

Dana Hills 50, Mission Viejo 48--Karun Grossman scored 27 points for Dana Hills (16-6, 5-3), which moved into sole possession of third place. Treva Whitaker and Kortney Okura each scored 12 points for Mission Viejo (7-12, 1-7).