OTHER GAMES

Huntington Beach Marina 60, Ventura Buena 39--Championship-game appearances had almost become a birthright for Buena High girls’ basketball players, or so it seemed.

The Bulldogs owned five Southern Section Division I-A titles and had appeared in eight consecutive section finals.

There will not be a ninth.

The 39 points were the second-fewest scored this season by the two-time defending division champions, ranked No. 1 in the region by The Times.

“I did not recognize our team,” said 6-foot-2 freshman center Kelly Greathouse, who was limited to nine points and nine rebounds before fouling out with 5:17 left. She had averaged 14 points and 15 rebounds in three previous playoff games. “I’ve never seen our team play like that.”

The Bulldogs (26-3), who were making their 13th consecutive appearance in the semifinals, had built their dynasty with a foundation of solid fundamentals. That foundation betrayed them Tuesday night.

Buena shot 32% from the field (14 for 43), made only eight of 18 free-throw attempts and committed 22 turnovers.

Marina guard Natalie Nakase collected 18 points and six assists and constantly pressured Bulldog guards Kelly Murray and Renae Hofmann.

Karyn Fierst added 14 points, while Chanda McLeod added 13 for the Vikings, who will meet San Clemente (27-4), a 65-59 winner over Moreno Valley, on either Friday or Saturday at the Long Beach Pyramid for the championship.