By Ray Hamill — A packed gym at St. Bernard’s was treated to an exciting finish to Monday night’s Division-4 girls basketball NorCal semifinal.

With a place in Wednesday’s regional championship game on the line, the Crusaders rallied late to secure a 49-42 victory.

The win sends the SB girls on to a fourth NorCal championship game in 10 years and they will play H-DNL rival Arcata in the decider.

Several players stepped up for the SB girls in Monday’s win, including senior Madelyn and junior Laila Florvilus, who each have been outstanding all winter long.

However, it was the Sundberg sisters — junior Jocelyn and freshman Samantha — who were the difference makers late in a had-fought and physical game.

The sisters scored back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Crusaders overcame a late deficit on the way to the seven-point win.

Samantha also came away with a big steal just moments later to set up a layup by teammate Aliyah Vigil, who also had an outstanding night against the Cougars.

Check out the fourth quarter highlights above, including the big 3s and some clutch free throws by Florvilus and Vigil, as well as the postgame celebrations and an enthusiastic St. Bernard’s student section.

Wednesday’s championship game features the top two seeds in the bracket and will be played at College of the Redwoods instead of St. Bernard’s in order to accommodate more local fans.

Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Laila Florvilus (12) chases down a loose ball during Monday’s game.

Jocelyn Sundberg (13) in action for the Crusaders on Monday.