The Gaels (7-12, 4-2 in league) clinched no worse than third place in league and will make their first trip to the postseason since 2006. Holy Family had an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs last season, but suffered a 40-34 loss to L.A. Sacred Heart of Jesus in a play-in contest.
Holy Family needed Lachica to go nearly half court with 11 seconds left to send the game into overtime. The junior forward made a bank shot to knot the game at 39 and give the Gaels the much-needed momentum.
“I just went straight all the way to the basket,” said Lachica, who finished with a team-high 12 points and eight rebounds. “I extended my hand, saw the shot hit the glass and then go in.
“It’s good that we are going to the playoffs.”
Holy Family limited San Gabriel Mission (2-8, 2-5) to three points in overtime and swept the two-game season series with the Pioneers. The Gaels received 10 points apiece from freshman guard Samantha Moreno and sophomore forward Elena Lomeli.
Lomeli made a short shot to give the Gaels a 41-39 lead with 1:59 remaining in the overtime before Moreno made a basket to extend the lead to 43-39 with 1:10 left. The Pioneers got no closer than 44-42 with five seconds remaining.
Holy Family second-year Coach Ernest Siy said Lachica’s shot ignited the Gaels heading into overtime.
“She made that shot and the momentum shifted to us big time,” said Siy, whose team held an 18-12 halftime lead. “She wants the ball in her hands at the end of the game.
“We are not satisfied with just making the playoffs.”
San Gabriel Mission got 15 rebounds from junior guard Silvia Bucio.
