Mater Dei Has Another Title, but This Time Girls Win It

Although Mater Dei High might seem synonymous with boys’ basketball, the only state banner added to the gymnasium wall this year will belong to the girls.

Mater Dei played its best game of the season in its biggest and gained a 59-48 victory over San Jose Archbishop Mitty (26-3) Saturday in winning the state Division I title at Arco Arena.

It’s the girls’ first state title; the boys have won three titles and 11 section championships.

Mater Dei (29-3), ranked second in the state, got a 20-point effort from Rhonda Gondringer, and 13 points apiece from Melody Peterson and Lori Hurlbut.

Mitty’s leading scorer, Keri Walsh, picked up her third foul with 7:30 left in the second quarter. She left with Mater Dei leading, 15-12. Mater Dei then went on an 18-2 run over the next 4:16 to break the game open, and Walsh returned in a sign of desperation.

Walsh, named volleyball player of the year by several national publications, finished with 11 points, far below her average of 21.7.

During the 18-2 run, two reserves--Hurlbut and B.J. Day--combined for four three-point baskets. Hurlbut made three of them and had 11 points in that stretch. Day, a freshman, scored five.

It was all part of a larger 34-6 run that helped Mater Dei rally from a 12-9 deficit and take a 27-point lead, 45-18, in the third quarter.