Laura Hickey #32 Photos Andy Scheck

Two Lamorinda rivals will meet for the third time this season in the NCS semi-final match. The Miramonte Matadors (26-1 overall) beat the Campolindo Cougars twice in the regular season en route to a perfect DFAL record and the DFAL title. The Cougars (23-4) finished second at 10-2, losing only to Miramonte. The Mats host the Cougars tonight, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
Both teams had first round NCS byes and won home games Feb. 22.
Miramonte blasted the Encincal (Alameda) Jets 104-61. "It was a fun night," said head coach Kelly Sopak. "The players bought in to our 'All One' philosophy tonight. It was great for them to have so much success as we had not played a game since Feb. 12."
Over in Moraga, Campolindo hosted the Novato Hornets. They came out strong by scoring the first 11 points of the game. Senior Laura Hickey hit two free throws to start the game and added four more baskets in the first four minutes.
"This was a big game for us tonight. As seniors we want to continue to play and we came out strong," Hickey said, "We spent a lot of time working on shooting this week in practice and we did well."
Hickey was a force on the court with several rebounds and blocks. She set up guards senior Courtney Seyranian and junior Ashley Ewing for good looks from outside. Seyranian nailed six three-pointers and Ewing added four, helping the team to a 64-20 lead after three periods. The Cougars won 65-30.
Seyranian finished with 18, Hickey with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Ewing had 13 points, seven assists and eight rebounds.
Coach Elgin Leslie felt this was one of the best games the team had played all year. "I felt we could push the ball tonight," he explained, "After the disappointment of not making the playoffs last year the girls had something to prove and have been on a mission all year."
"The whole team was excited to get in our first playoff game. We worked hard every day and prepared and then we went out and did it," Seyranian added.
With their quarterfinal NCS wins last week, both teams have qualified to go on to the Northern California tournament. The winner of tonight's game will play for the NCS title.

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