The Fresno City College women's basketball team is vying for another trip to the state final four tournament.

Standing in the way again is Sierra College.

For the fifth straight year, the teams meet in the Northern California Regional. And if history is a guide, today's fourth-round game could be a close one. Tip-off is 7 p.m. at the Rams' gym.

NorCal third-seeded Sierra finished the regular season as Big 8 Conference co-champs with No. 1 Santa Rosa. Central Valley Conference champ Fresno City is the No. 2 seed.

"Two very similar teams," Fresno City coach Brian Tessler said. "They're well coached, play very hard and played in the toughest league in the north."

The teams are 2-2 against each other in regional play.

--2012: Fresno City won 90-82 to advance to the fourth round en route to a final four appearance.

--2011: Eighth-seeded Sierra surprised the No. 1 Rams 80-75 in a third-round victory.

--2010: The Wolverines, as an 18 seed, stunned No. 2 Fresno City 96-86.

--2009: The Rams' 65-52 victory moved them to the state championship tournament.

Fresno City and Sierra already have met once this season, the Rams winning 80-75 at the City College of San Francisco Tournament.

"They have a little more size and appear to be more aggressive on the glass," Tessler said. "The key is whether or not we give them open looks from the 3 and can we keep them off the offensive glass?

"We have to stay aggressive in order to get to the foul line."

Kirstie Williams, a 5-foot-6 sophomore guard, leads the Wolverines at 14.1 points per game. Williams, 5-9 guard Kayla Reeves and 5-10 forward Michelle Walker were named to the All-Big 8 first team.

"I have a ton of respect for Brian and his program," said Brandie Murrish, Sierra's coach since the 2006-2007 season. "I truly believe it will be a defensive battle. Very same style of basketball and we want to get out and run in transition -- offensively and defensively. We're a balanced team."

The Wolverines advanced with wins over No. 14 Mendocino and No. 6 Ohlone. The Rams got to today by defeating No. 15 De Anza and No. 10 Merced.

Madison Parrish scored a game-high 34 points in the Rams' 79-60 victory over Merced. All-conference first-teamer Keyora Wharry and second-team pick DeVaughna Jenkins had 10 points apiece.

Fresno City (29-3) has a 21-game winning streak, while Sierra (23-7) has won seven straight.

"They're playing well," Tessler said. "We know what they're like, and they know us."

NorCal semifinals

Saturday: No. 3 Sierra at No. 2 Fresno City; No. 8 San Francisco at No. 1 Santa Rosa

At stake: Winners advance to state final four tournament March 16-17 in Sacramento.