SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS 4-AA : Muir Ends Frustration With First CIF Title

Since the mid 1980s, Muir has been a perennial power in the CIF Southern Section with five title appearances in the last seven years.

But until Friday night, the Mustangs had never won a Southern Section title.

The Mustangs finally put an end to the years of frustration by defeating Ventura, 56-49, in the 4-AA final before 2,831 fans at Cal Poly Pomona.

Ventura, which dropped to 19-10, stayed close throughout the second half and came within two points on a basket by Andrea Williams with 6:15 remaining.

But that was the closest the Cougars came to Muir after that.

Muir was led by point guard Rose Jong, who scored 24 points including four three-point baskets.

Ventura was paced by forward Cori Herman with 28 points including 12 of 12 free-throw attempts.

Muir, the top-seeded team in the playoffs, improved its record to 26-5 and advanced to the state regionals next week.