Pacifica Finishes Unbeaten in Garden Grove League

Bolsa Grande was good. But Pacifica, at least in the Garden Grove League, was perfect. And that’s why the Mariners are league champions in boys’ basketball.

Pacifica (22-4, 12-0) clinched its second league title in three seasons by defeating Bolsa Grande, 73-60, in front of a capacity home crowd.

The Mariners were able to break open a close game in the fourth quarter, when the Matadors (20-6, 10-2)--who could have tied Pacifica for the title--went five minutes between field goals.

At that point, though, Bolsa Grande may have been worn out. It trailed, 13-2, in the first four minutes, and had to play catch-up the rest of the game. Bolsa Grande tied the score at 19, and took its only lead--42-40-- early in the third quarter. But Pacifica scored the next seven points.

The last time Pacifica went unbeaten in league was the 1993-94 season.

“People can say what they want about the Garden Grove League. To go unbeaten in any league is tough,” Pacifica Coach Bob Becker said. “I thought we did a good job of maintaining our poise when they made their runs. And I thought when the game was on the line, we played our best basketball.”

Bolsa Grande Coach Mike Anderson could only rue the the cold stretch that took his team out of the game.

“We missed about seven shots, and probably turned the ball over on five straight possessions,” he said. “But we still had a very good season. Winning the league would have been icing on the cake, but our only two losses were to the best team.

“Pacifica deserves to be in the top 10. I would take that team and play anyone in the county. They are well coached, and they have weapons. And that’s what you have to have.”

Jeff Swan, who sank six three-point shots in eight attempts, led Pacifica with 22 points, followed by Adam Rachlin with 14.

Bolsa Grande’s Duc Nguyen led all scorers with 26 points.

In South Coast League girls’ water polo:

No. 3 Capistrano Valley 8, Mission Viejo 2--Chelsea Rowlands scored three goals as Capistrano Valley (21-4, 5-0) won the league title.

Dana Hills 10, Trabuco Hills 2--Dana Tucker, who has 99 goals this season, scored seven for Dana Hills (15-10, 2-3). The Dolphins finished fourth in league and have a shot at a wild-card playoff spot.

Mater Dei 8, San Clemente 7 (OT)--Tiffany Tran scored with 47 seconds left in overtime to help the Monarchs win a playoff berth. Tran finished the game with three goals and teammate Erin Kelly also had three. Julia Kelly recorded 11 saves for Mater Dei, which finishes league play at 14-5, 3-2.