COASTING BY THE BOBCATS

The FC women's basketball squad welcomed Saddleback College to the Nest on Wednesday night defeating the Bobcats 70-36.

In a needed Orange Empire Conference game, Fullerton (11-8 overall) stepped up with a victory keeping pace in the standings at 2-3. The Saddleback defeat puts the Bobcats at 6-11 overall and keeps the team winless in the OEC at 0-5.

Fullerton took an early 12-6 lead in the first quarter thanks to a jumper by Cienna Keowns. From that point on, the Hornets never looked back as the team maintained a healthy lead through the rest of the game. Fullerton outshot Saddleback 40.8% to 25%, while hitting forcing 27 turnovers. FC scored 28 points from those turnovers and 42 points in the paint.

The Hornes saved their best for last in the fourth quarter with a 37-point lead by the 9:14 mark that was capped off by a layup by Sarah Shaw. Up by a large margin, Fullerton used the clock to its advantage burning time to earn the win.

Xochitl Hood led the way with a game-high 23 points. She also had 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Jasmine Arnold had a strong effort with 15 points, had 8 steals, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Sarah Shaw also had a strong outing with 13 points with 3 boards, while Kaylee Shimoda pumped in 10 points, had 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Cienna Keowns also chipped in with 6 rebounds.

Up Next: The Hornets (11-8 overall, 2-3 OEC) travel to No. 4 in the state Orange Coast College (16-3 overall, 5-0 OEC) this Friday, January 26th. Tipoff is at 7:00 pm.