STRUGGLING WITH LASERS

It was Sophomore Night for Fullerton on Wednesday night, but the celebration was spoiled by the visiting Irvine Valley College Lasers, who upset the Hornets 51-47.

The Hornets have been treading through some rough waters lately losing three consecutive OEC games. Tonight's loss to IVC puts Fullerton in a tough spot to make the playoffs with an overall record of 18-9. They are now 6-5 in the Orange Empire Conference. The Irvine Valley win places the team at 15-12 overall and 7-4 in the OEC.

Before the start of the game, the FC sophomores were recognized by the coaching staff for their hard work on the court and in the classroom. The sophomores honored were Britlay Carillo, Amya Iannone, Leilani Pongco, Katelyn Glumace, Kaylee Shimoda, Cienna Keowns, Madisson Zavaleta, and Xochitl Hood.

Fullerton opened up the game with a 9-2 lead that was capped off by Erin Choi's layup. The Lasers bounced back snagging a 10-9 advantage and the dogfight was on as both teams were dealing blows shot for shot. The first quarter ended in a 12-12 tie, and the battle continued in the second quarter. Tied 23-23 with 3 minutes left in the first half, IVC's Alexis Price hit a three-pointer, and FC's Xochitl Hood clapped back with a jumper. By the time the smoked cleared for the halftime break, the Lasers held a small 28-25 lead.

IVC welcomed the third quarter with a jumper by Haruka Mikuma for a 30-25 lead, but the Hornets soon tied the game up at 30 apiece on a pair of free throws by Xochitl Hood. Neither team was willing to back down for the remainder of the game. With 2 minutes left in regulation, Irvine Valley snuck in a six-point lead (47-41). FC fought back and Xochitl Hood tied the game up 47-47 with 49 seconds to go. Samantha Barnett knocked down a shot from three feet out to put the Lasers up for good as time ran out for the Hornets. 

Xochitl Hood scored a game-high 19 points with 13 rebounds for a double-double night. Kaylee Shimoda had 9 points with 7 rebounds, while Erin Choi had 8 points with 9 rebounds.

Up Next: The No. 17 in state Hornets (18-9 overall, 6-5 OEC) have one more OEC game left this Friday night (Feb. 21) when they travel down the road to Cypress College for a big conference showdown. Tipoff is at 6:00 pm.