GIRLS’ BASKETBALL / DIVISION II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP : Irvine Woodbridge Wilts Under Early Pressure

After winning 32 games in a row, the Irvine Woodbridge High girls’ basketball team did not know how to react when it faced defeat.

The Warriors jumped to an early lead against Sacramento El Camino in the State Division II championship Friday at the Oakland Coliseum, then folded once they fell behind in the second quarter in a 71-38 loss.

The Eagles finished with a 36-0 record, winning their first State title.

“Each week we kept playing a step above our competition,” said Bill Bazter, El Camino coach. “Woodbridge was the best team we’ve faced all season, and our team really stepped it up. I think we might be one of the top 20 teams in the country right now.”

Woodbridge (32-1) was also making its first appearance in a State final. Its coach, Eric Bangs, can take solace in that he will have four starters back next season.

“We got beat by a much better team, so I’m not going to try and make any excuses,” he said.

It appeared Bangs would be looking forward to an undefeated season early on as the Warriors took a 13-6 lead, dominating the first quarter.

But Woodbridge struggled the rest of the game, scoring only six points in each the second and third quarters.

El Camino shut down the Warriors’ press and effectively worked its running game. Senior guard Kristin Niemann scored 21.

Woodbridge, Southern Section Division II-AA champion, could not adjust to El Camino’s aggressive defense. It shot 24% from the field, and made only one of 16 three-point attempts. It also turned the ball over 22 times.