Irvine Valley's women's basketball team didn't let Saturday's non-conference game against Rio Hondo get any closer than it needed to be.
After allowing San Diego Mesa back into a contest earlier this week before winning by nine points, Irvine Valley put its foot on the pedal and pulled away from Rio Hondo in the second half in a 71-47 victory at home.
Irvine Valley led by as many as 25 points in the fourth quarter.
Irvine Valley, which was ranked fifth in the South Region preseason poll, improved its record to 3-1 overall. Rio Hondo fell to 1-3.
The Lasers got contributions from all over. Sophomore forward Morgan Bryant had her best game as a Laser with 18 points, 13 rebounds and three assists to lead the way for IVC, which had four players score in double figures.
Sophomore guard Jordan Coleman finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Sophomore guard Tara Casey finished with 11 points and three assists and sophomore point guard Erika Mercado had 10 points, four assists and three steals in 40 minutes of work.
Freshman forward Jada Haynes also chipped in six points and seven rebounds to pace the IVC bench. And freshman forward Kasey Smit contributed four points, six rebounds and six assists.
Irvine Valley shot 47.7 percent (27 of 57) for the game and limited Rio Hondo to 29.4 percent (15 of 51) shooting.
The Lasers out-rebounded the Roadrunners, 45-26. IVC also had 22 assists on its 27 made baskets in a solid performance.
Irvine Valley led, 20-11, after the first quarter and, 41-28, at halftime.
Rio Hondo got within 44-37 on a layup by Julissa Vargas with 6:14 left in the third quarter. But IVC out-scored the Roadrunners, 13-6, the rest of the quarter to take a 14-point lead into the final period.
An important sequence for the Lasers in the third quarter came when Coleman missed a three-pointer, but hustled to chase down the offensive rebound and then found Casey open for a three-pointer.
The three-pointer gave IVC a 50-39 advantage with 2:09 left in the third quarter.
Irvine Valley led by double figures the rest of the game.
IVC also closed out the game strong. The Lasers helped hold Rio Hondo to just four points in the final 10 minutes.
Rio Hondo was led by Danna Robles with 16 points and eight rebounds before fouling out.
Irvine Valley plays again on Thursday in the Saddleback Tournament. The Lasers start the event against Cuesta. Game time is 1 p.m. at Saddleback.
