WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: HORNETS OUT-RUN LASERS

The Hornets won their first Orange Empire Conference game of the season on the road Wednesday night, 59-50, against Irvine Valley College.

Irvine Valley saw its record slip to 9-10 overall and 1-2 in conference, while Fullerton improved to 9-10 overall and 1-2 in conference.

The Lasers led 30-25 at the half after out-scoring Fullerton 17-11 in the second quarter, however the Hornets went on a 13-3 run over the first seven-plus minutes of the third quarter to take the lead.

A three-pointer by Juanita Nolosco gave Fullerton a 38-33 lead with 2:43 left in the quarter.

IVC battled back by scoring the final four points of the quarter. Sophomore guard Aaleah Brown made a jumper and sophomore forward Kydell Pearson sank two free throws to bring IVC within 38-37 going into the final period, but Fullerton scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to take control. Three straight baskets by Monica Hanna and a jumper by Tristian Johns pushed the Hornet's advantage to 46-37 with 6:46 left in the game.

Irvine Valley went on a run of its own, out-scoring Fullerton, 10-2, and pulled within 48-47 after a layup by Brown and a basket by freshman forward Kiara Warren with 4:13 to go.

Johns answered with a layup and a three-pointer to lift Fullerton's lead to 53-47 with 3:09 left.

Irvine Valley didn't get closer than four points the rest of the way.

IVC shot just 26.8 percent (19 of 71) from the field as a team in the game. The Lasers were 3 of 16 on three-pointers.

Irvine Valley out-rebounded Fullerton, 53-43. Included in that number was 23 offensive rebounds for the Lasers. But IVC converted for just nine second-chance points.

Fullerton shot 36.4 percent (24 of 66) as a team and was paced by Johns with 16 points and eight rebounds. Hanna contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks and Melody Thomsen had 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals for the Hornets.

Up Next: The Hornets (9-10, 1-2) will go back on the road to take on Riverside City College on Wednesday, January 18th. Tip off is at 5:00 pm.

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