Women's basketball team takes consolation title in Ventura

Courtesy of On My Game Photography
Courtesy of On My Game Photography

Irvine Valley's women's basketball team finished up nonconference play by winning the consolation title at a tournament in Ventura last week.

The Lasers dropped their first game, but came back to win their final two games in the event.

IVC improved its record to 11-3 overall after taking two of three games.

The Lasers started with a tough 72-57 loss to LA Valley on Thursday. Both teams were ranked highly last week.

IVC came in at ninth in the state poll and fourth in Southern California in the CCCWBCA polls, while LA Valley was 14th in the state and 10th in So. Cal.

Irvine Valley led, 18-14, after the first quarter.

But LA Valley outscored the Lasers, 27-14, in the second quarter and took control the rest of the way.

Sophomore forward Kasey Smit finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks to lead IVC.

Sophomore forward Jenna Rodriguez added 13 points and four rebounds and sophomore forward Kiara Warren had eight points for the Lasers.

Irvine Valley bounced back with a solid 68-34 win over Allan Hancock on Friday afternoon. 

The Lasers led, 12-11, after the opening quarter, and then put the game away in the second quarter.

IVC out-scored Allan Hancock, 22-2, in the second period to lead 34-13, at the half.

And Irvine Valley was up, 50-22, heading in into the final quarter.

Smit had 18 points and 10 rebounds, sophomore guard Elizabeth Garcia finished with nine points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals and freshman guard Bryanna Espiritu chipped in nine points.

The Lasers finished off the tournament on Saturday with an easy 81-42 victory over Rio Hondo in the consolation championship.

IVC led, 20-5, after the first quarter and, 41-13, at the end of the first half.

Warren had 15 points and seven rebounds, Rodriguez finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals and freshman guard Cydnie Danan and Smit each contributed 10 points. Smit also had eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

Smit was named to the all-tournament team.

IVC out-rebounded Rio Hondo, 54-25, and scored 50 points in the paint.

Irvine Valley opens up Orange Empire Conference play on Wednesday at home, taking on Saddleback at 7 p.m.