Girls Basketball: Broncos' Quest for State Title Ends at Canyon Springs

Tuesday's regional semi-final game of the CIF State Girls Division 1 Basketball Championships started well for the Lady Broncos against Moreno Valley's Canyon Springs.

Sparked by captain Alexis Rivas’ 10-point first half effort and playing without injured guard Yuendie Guridi, Vista Murrieta jumped out to a 27-22 lead at the half.

It would not be enough to beat the Lady Cougars, who had defeated Vista Murrieta 78-69 when the teams met Feb. 26 in the Division 1A semi-final playoff game.

On Tuesday, Canyon Springs came storming back in the third and outscored the Broncos 25-12 in the period to erase the deficit and take a 47-39 lead into the final eight minutes.

“The third quarter just totally got away from us,” said Vista Murrieta Coach Chris Jones. "I thought we lost some composure. I think they were a little bit shocked the way the game switched so fast … and probably gave up a few more points than we should have.

“A lot of their easy points underneath are coming because they’re penetrating, our help is coming up, and then they’re dumping it down. They do a fantastic job of not taking that initial shot and dumping it down underneath.”

The Broncos regained the composure in the fourth period but it was just too late. Final score: Canyon Springs 70, Vista Murrieta 58.

"Tough night all around...," Jones said. "Yuendie could not play due to an injury, our free throw shooting was poor for the first time in a long time, and our rebounding was just not good enough. That combination got us into real trouble in the third quarter and we couldn't recover."

Freshman Jaelyn Brown lead the Bronco attack with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Rivas scored 12 points, Leitasi Cravens nine and Brittney Reed four. Alexis Marshall and Tatiana Navarro scored two points apiece.

Senior captain and All Southwestern League MVP and Player of the Year, Serafina Maulupe scored seven points in her final game as a Bronco before she heads to play for Virginia Tech.

“This season will forever be remembered," Maulupe said. "And it's just been amazing playing with this team. And I'm happy how my senior year ended. We fought this last game and played our hearts out.

"In my first three years, no one knew who the Vista Murrieta Broncos were. Happy I can leave knowing that everyone in California knows who the Vista Murrieta Broncos women's basketball team is.

"Now it's time for me to get ready for Virginia Tech. Definitely excited to start a new chapter in my life. Now it's time to rep the Hokies. But once a Bronco, always a Bronco."