In a much anticipated match up at the John Fitzgerald Gymnasium, Newman went on a late 3rd quarter run to pull away from Carondelet in route to 60-44 NCS Open Semi-Final victory.  Newman came in as the 2nd seed and began shooting well to open up a 10 point lead (16-6) about midway through the 1st quarter  but the Cougars came back  pulling to with 5 (19-14) heading to the second quarter.

Newman sent Taissa Queiroz to the block and continuously fed her the ball in the post. She responded with several great baskets in the paint causing the Carondelet defense to collapse and opening up scoring opportunities for the Cardinals on the perimeter.  Kaida Angela and Kate Schat each hit 3's for CN in the early going.

Carondelet continued to fight back in second quarter, Keisha Vitallicio hit a big 3 to tie the game at 19.  Kate Schat nailed one for Newman on the next possession to ge the Cardinals back on top.  The rest of teh quarter went back and forth but Newman held on to the lead despite several chances for the Cougars to go on top.  With about 1 minute left in the half Kaida Angelo came down with a rebound and found Janelle Pena running the floor.  Janelle made great move and finished strong to put Newman u by 4 at the break, 31-27.

After the intermission, Carondelet ran a set play resulting in a back door layup for Kamil Reed. Again the Cougars had chances to take the lead but the Cardinals defense responded holding the lead,  Tissa completed an "And One" and then hit an acrobatic runner in traffic to give Newman some momentum.  Carondelet continued to play hard and once again cut the lead to 2 as Reed scored again for the Cougars.

Leah Amrtinez hit 2 clutch fee-throws and with under 3:00 to play in the 3rd.  Tissa then picked up a steal and went the length of the floor fishing with the left hand and the lead was 6.  Moments later Macie Flores scramble for an offensive rebound.  Tissa got the ball in the post and scored through a double team.  

Carondelet began to tire.  Kaida Angelo drove the lane and put CN up by 10.  Next, Kate Schat hit an amazing drive and foul.  At the end of 3 Newman led 49-38.

In the final 8, Newman continued to stretch the lead,  Carondelet could not connect and Newman hit some big shots.  Kaida Angelo with another 3 point play to finish with 16 points and 8 rebounds.  

The Cougars could not find a hot hand and with under 2 minutes to go both teams emptied the benches.

Taissa Queiroz led all scorers with 23 points and 11 rebounds .  Kate Schat added 15 for the Cardinals.

The win for CN sets up a 1 vs 2 match-up as Newman meets top seeded San Ramon Valley at Dublin High for the NCS Open title at 3:00 PM Saturday afternoon,