TAKING A BITE OUT OF THE TIGER

After suffering through a seven-game losing streak, Fullerton finally broke through netting a 78-74 win over Riverside City at home Friday night.

It was a very good win for the Hornets, who had lost at RCC earlier in the season 69-48.

The Hornets came out swinging taking a 13-4 lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter. Two three-pointers by Tia Jaquias and Sarah Shaw's layup set up the big lead. By the start of the second quarter FC held an 18-10 advantage over the Tigers.

Toni Ballestero knocked down another trey putting Fullerton up 32-24 in the middle of the second quarter. Thrown off balance by FC's solid defense, the Tigers did their best to chip away at their deficit, however the Hornets were not letting go keeping a 43-36 lead into halftime.

Riverside made its move in the third quarter tying the game up at 47-47 after clawing back with an 11-4 run. FC did not let up as the team pushed ahead 59-53 by the time the fourth quarter came around.

Fighting for the lead tooth and nail, RCC tied the game up again 61-61, but the Hornets still did not give it up. Instead, Fullerton forged ahead on a couple baskets, along with a three-pointer by Toni Ballestero, that put the team up 69-63. As the final minutes burned away, the Hornets kept their cool making a series of critical free throws that held off the surging Tigers. As a team Fullerton was 22 for 30 from the free throw line.

FC's Angela Zendejas led the team in scoring with 18 points along with 9 rebounds. Toni Ballestero followed with 16 points and Jasmine Arnold delivered 14 of her own. Tia Jaquias had 12 points with 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Bri Landeros landed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Up Next: The Hornets (11-15 overall, 2-8 OEC) will take on Irvine Valley College in Irvine on Tuesday, February 14th at 5:00 pm.