Costa Mesa, Earnest Win Playoff Opener

Jenny Earnest had 19 points and 18 rebounds, leading visiting Costa Mesa to a 52-39 first-round victory over Pomona Diamond Ranch in Southern Section Division III-AA girls’ basketball Tuesday.

The game was close through three quarters with Costa Mesa holding a one-point lead. But the Mustangs outscored Diamond Ranch, 21-9, in the fourth.

Earnest, a senior, also had five steals and five blocked shots.

Costa Mesa’s Autumn Smith, who had five assists and five steals, scored 18 points and was nine for 10 from the free-throw line.

Azusa will host Costa Mesa (17-10) in a second-round game at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.