JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM Campbell's Darlyn Livae shot the ball over Sacred Hearts' Karis Moi-Simeona last night.

SHA survives defections

An emergency situation hasn't disarmed the Sacred Hearts Lancers.

In fact, they've learned to answer the call. When 10 of 14 players left the basketball team after last season, the Lancers turned to their diligent junior-varsity coach.

So far, the Lancers have fared well under Alan Matsui. Junior guard Samantha Saito pumped in 16 points, sparking a big second-half run, as Sacred Hearts rolled over Campbell 60-47 last night in opening-round action of the First Hawaiian Bank Lady Menehune Peek Tournament.

"That little guard hurt us. She's quick and aggressive to the basket," Campbell coach Nathan Macadangdang said of Saito. "We couldn't stop her."

Kiana Rapozo and Samantha Valle chipped in with 11 points apiece, and sophomore guard Cara Smith solidified a relentless Lancer defense. Sacred Hearts is 2-1 in nonconference play.

Darlyn Livae, a junior center, led Campbell (2-4) with 10 points.

"We don't know what to do with it yet. The girls are kind of tentative," Macadangdang said. "We're young, but we're a very close bunch."

Campbell trailed early, but went on a 9-3 run late in the second quarter. Jenny Sweeny's 3-point play under the basket brought the Lady Sabers within 23-20.

Sacred Hearts broke the game open with a 17-6 run in the second half. Saito's ability to penetrate caused problems for Campbell's zone and man-to-man defenses, giving Sacred Hearts the bonus with 3:55 left in the third quarter.

The Lancers extended their lead to 47-33 after free throws by Rapozo and Smith with 6:36 remaining. Campbell got no closer than 11 the rest of the way. In all Sacred Hearts made 15 of its 32 free-throw attempts in the second half. For the game, the Lancers made 24 of 44 attempts.

Despite the missed free throws, Matsui is thankful for his team's progress. In addition to the 10 players who transferred out, two promising freshmen-to-be left before the season.

"We spent the last two weeks basically working on fundamentals, like making layups," Matsui said. "It's kind of unfair to the returnees we have, but they're a bunch of good girls who are working together."

Sacred Hearts used a full-court press to rattle Campbell. With seven of the new Lancers up from Matsui's JV team, their defensive pressure was stellar.

Campbell plays Oahu Interscholastic Association foe Waialua tomorrow at 5 p.m. in a consolation-bracket game. Getting a game in against Sacred Hearts, Macadangdang believes, is a benefit.

"Private-school teams are always good, always disciplined. That's a good example for us," he said.

Moanalua 66, Waialua 25

In the late game, the host Menehunes opened the second half with an 8-0 run and ran away with the victory.

Junior Terina Blue and freshman Britni Ronolo led Moanalua with 14 points each. Senior guard Mesha Macadangdang added 12 points for Moanalua, which led 24-14 at intermission.

Noe Dela Pena-Ho'opi'i and Chelsey Ramirez paced Waialua with six points apiece.