Piedmont, Ca-  The Cardinal Newman Girls Basketball team survived a hard fought battle with tourney host Piedmont on Friday night.  With the win, Newman advances to the championship game where they meet the Valley Christian Warriors at 2pm on Saturday.

The Cardinals trailed 31-26 at the half and needed a turn around after the break.  They outscored Piedmont by 6 in the 3rd and led by 1 heading to the final 8 minutes.
the game was intense from start to finish and the 4th quarter was exciting.  Leading by 4 Leah Martinez broke the press and hit a 3 from the top of the key with 1:45 to go.  A huge bucket to stretch the lead  and a key play in the win.

Martinez led the way with 17 points, while Reese Searcy finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.  Other top scorers were Kate Schat with11 and Ari Johnson with 10.
Other solid contributors were Janelle Pena with 9 rebounds and Julia Brunetti with 5 assist and 8 rebounds.

Saturday oponnent Valley Christian is 6-0 on the year while Newman is now 5-2 on the year.