More than 500 Catholic Youth Organization girls' varsity basketball boosters from East and West Los Angeles watched St. Jerome's Lady Spartans defeat Our Lady of Lourdes' Lady Lions, 30-24, in a hard-fought championship game at Staples Center Feb. 28.

Facing the undefeated "Big East" league champion Lady Lions' team which had beat them earlier in the season, the Lady Spartans took the lead early in the game and kept ahead despite a Lions comeback in the second half.

"I thought the girls played very much like a team on both sides. The Lions' comeback made it an interesting game," said Msgr. Gregory Cox, Catholic Charities director. He praised the sportsmanship of the players and their respective coaches.

"I think it says something about the graciousness of those who lost and the graciousness of those who won. And the turnout was great," added Msgr. Cox.

"It was an amazing outpouring of support," said Larry Muno, CYO director, who appreciated the chance to hold the event on the Los Angeles Lakers' and Clippers' home court. "We were excited CYO got the opportunity to display the values and virtues of Catholic Schools."

He noted the Lady Lions "displayed great courage in making a valiant comeback" and commended the team on its "sportsmanship and effort."

"The girls were very excited to be able to come to Staples and play a championship on the court," said Joe Oronoz, Our Lady of Lourdes coach. "They were a little nervous in the first half. In the second half, [their comeback] showed their true colors, but the time got us. It was an awesome season."

St. Jerome coach Mike Rawson complimented the opponents for their basketball prowess. "The team we played is a tremendous team. I knew they were going to come back. We played them before. They beat us last time by two points in overtime, so I knew this was going to be a close game. And they're a wonderful team too. There are no losers today," said Rawson.

Rawson said he was gratified by his team's performance. "The fact that every girl, some of whom never played basketball before, played key roles in our last two games. These girls just never lost heart and had a tremendous amount of desire. And they just didn't quit. You can't ask anything more as a coach," said Rawson, whose daughter, Mallory, plays on the team.

"I've been watching these girls all the way through, and I knew they were fantastic. I'm really excited and happy for them," said St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister Donna Anne Bachman, principal of St. Jerome. Msgr. Norm Priebe, pastor, said he was extremely proud of the team. "I'm thrilled. The girls worked hard, and they came together as a wonderful team," said Msgr. Priebe.

Gerald Willis, father of Lady Spartan Christianna, called the team's win a great accomplishment. "They've been playing together for a few years, and it's the culmination of a lot of hard work," said Willis." I couldn't be happier for them.

For information on the CYO Boys Basketball Championship game March 28 at Staples Center, call (213) 251-3557.