Playa del Rey St. Bernard (18-11) vs. Calvary Chapel (21-8)

3 TODAY PYRAMID, LONG BEACH STATE

There’s plenty of history here. Calvary Chapel knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs in 1999, but lost to St. Bernard in the championship games in 1998 and 2000. A year ago, the Eagles couldn’t keep up with the more athletic team in the first quarter, fell behind, 34-9, and eventually lost, 82-52. If the top-seeded Vikings follow their past form they will use their press to try to paralyze the Calvary Chapel offense. Unlike last season’s team, this year’s Calvary Chapel players shouldn’t be intimidated when they walk on the floor--they have already played Troy in anticipation of this matchup. Nevertheless, it will take a superb effort by the second-seeded Eagles, who can’t afford to be pushed around physically and must prevent the contest from becoming a track meet. The defenses have had similar success in the playoffs. St. Bernard has allowed an average of 38.7 points, Calvary Chapel 40.3.

LINEUPS

St. Bernard

G Alexis Kendricks, Jr.

24 pts., 6 reb., 8 assts.

G Brittany Howell, Jr.

10 points

G Cesily Hadley, Jr.

6 points

F Melanie Mosley, Sr.

10 points, 10 rebounds

C Shannon Clay, So.

18 points, 10 rebounds

Calvary Chapel

G Shayna Fabre, Sr.

9 points, 1 rebound

G Ashley Nelson, Sr.

6 points, 3 rebounds

G Erin John, Sr.

8 points, 3 rebounds

F Richeal Werdel, Jr.

11 points, 5 rebounds

C Lindsey Richelli, Jr.

10 points, 8 rebounds