FINAL QUARTER PUSH LIFTS HORNETS PAST DONS

The Hornets took the win in an Orange Empire Conference game at home Friday night defeating Santa Ana College 70-63.

Sweeping the Dons tonight keeps Fullerton (13-11 overall) in the playoff race as they try and keep up with the rest of the conference with a record of 4-6. The last time the Hornets and Dons met, the Fullerton won it 67-60. The Santa Ana loss knocks them to 3-7 in the OEC and 13-11 overall.

The first half of the game was a close one with both teams matching shots. By halftime, Fullerton held a 34-33 lead that was punctuated by a deep three by Jasmine Arnold.

Santa Ana took over in the third quarter with a 41-39 lead that was set off by Serina Quezada's layup. The Dons maintained its distance for the rest of the quarter with a small lead before finishing it at 49-44.

In the beginning of the fourth Katelyn Morales hit a trey handing Santa Ana its biggest lead of eight (52-44). The Hornet did not give up as they put their head down and went to work. With four minutes left in the game, Fullerton pulled back in it 53-51, and then took the lead on the next bucket- a three by Kaylee Shimoda. The final two minutes belonged to FC as the team went on a 11-5 run at 64-56 before closing the game out for the win.

Kaylee Shimoda led all scorers with 17 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Toni Ballestero put in 13 points with 2 boards, while Jasmine Arnold and Katelyn Glumace both dropped in 10 points. Sarah Shaw delivered with 7 points with 7 rebounds, while Cienna Keowns scored 6. 

Up Next: Fullerton (13-11 overall, 4-6 OEC) has a tall order ahead when they travel to No. 12 in state Irvine Valley College on Tuesday, February 13th for another Orange Empire Conference game. Tipoff is at 6:00 pm.

*Photo by Jose Fernandez