MidValleySports.Com

Anderson drives to the bucket.

(Anaheim) –In less than a week, Bonita went from jubilation on Saturday to heartbreak tonight after dropping the Division 3A Championship at the Anaheim Arena in front of 3,986 against Orange Lutheran, 59-42.

When the final buzzer sounded the Lancers stormed the floor to celebrate as the Bearcats watched on.

It took an all-star effort from Natalie Luzar who scored a game-high 23 points to help lead Orange Lutheran to its first title since 1981.

As much as Luzar was stellar in her game play, much can be said for Sydney Jacobs who single-handedly destroyed Bonita’s chances during its comeback in the third quarter.

The Bearcats for the third time in as many games battled back from a ten-point deficit to catch the Lancers at 28 with 5:28 remaining after Nikki Wheatley hit one of two free-throws. That is as close as Bonita could get.

Orange Lutheran came out of the timeout with a new found step, with Jacobs leading the attack along with Luzar as they accounted for all seven points in a 7-2 run.

Jacobs spotted up near the left corner for a three-pointer to start the run out of the timeout. Luzar stole the ball on the next Bearcats possession and scored on the layup.

After Taylor Anderson scored on a short-ranged jumper, Jacobs hit her fifth shot of the evening to remain perfect on the night and extend the lead to 35-30.

Luzar continued to make trouble for Bonita with her ball handling ability. Her four-point play with 2:14 remaining in the game began to seal the fate for the Bearcats as the lead extended to seven.

On the offensive side for Bonita, Madison Zylstra couldn’t find an open look at a three-pointer all night. She finished the night with five points. Her three-pointer in the second quarter helped stop an 8-0 run to get the Bearcats within seven, midway through the quarter.

Anderson led all Bonita players in scoring to finish off a remarkable career with 18 points. The LMU bound senior fought for every basket against Orange Lutheran’s defense.

As a team the Bearcats didn’t shot 30% from the field, as they watched Orange Lutheran nearly finish the game at 50%.

Not all is lost on Bonita, which will find out on Sunday who its opponent will be during the CIF State Championship.

Though tonight it seems like a consolation for a team that exceeded all expectations in 2010-11.

Taylor Anderson finished her season with 18 points.