Diaz scored seven of her team-high 16 points in the fourth, including two late free throws that sealed the win for Holy Family (5-15, 5-2 in league), which trailed for most of the game and by six after three quarters.
"We worked together, communicated and our shots started going down," said Diaz, who was active on both ends, as she added six steals and two blocks to her 16 points. "The momentum from our fans got us going and we weren't going to give up."
With the win, the Gaels kept their league title hopes alive. By winning its final league contest against San Gabriel Mission next Tuesday, Holy Family can clinch a share of the league championship with Bishop Conaty-Loretto if the Wildcats (7-8, 6-1) lose in their finale against L.A. Sacred Heart of Jesus on Thursday.
Both teams struggled to score throughout the contest. Bishop Conaty-Loretto doubled Holy Family's output of first-half field goals, 8-4, but held a modest 18-12 halftime advantage.
Offense was hard to come by at both ends in a third quarter that saw eight combined points and four made field goals. The equally inept offense by both sides benefited Bishop Conaty-Loretto, which maintained a six-point lead.
Then the fourth quarter came and Holy Family's shots started falling down. The Gaels started the quarter on a 9-1 run, prompting a Wildcats timeout after Elena Lomeli gave Holy Family its first lead since Diaz hit a three-pointer for the team's first points of the game with 6:20 remaining back in the first quarter.
Diaz's steal and layup tied the game at 23 the possession prior to Lomeli's offensive rebound and putback.
