Women's basketball drops first game, falls to LA Valley at home

Irvine Valley's women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday afternoon.

The Lasers, ranked No. 7 in the California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association Preseason Poll, fell to No. 15 LA Valley, 51-49, at home.

LA Valley picked up its first victory of the season and moved to 1-2 overall, while IVC fell to 7-1 overall.

Irvine Valley had a tough time shooting the ball in the contest.

The Lasers went 16 of 63 from the field (25.4 percent), but they still had chances in the final minute of the game.

LA Valley took a 51-48 lead with 15 seconds left on a layup by Sophia Hughes.

Irvine Valley freshman forward Kaitlyn Luu missed a three-pointer on the other end, but IVC freshman guard Katie Nguyen grabbed the offensive rebound and kicked the ball out to freshman guard Morgan Higgins.

But Higgins' three-point attempt was also off the mark.

Hughes grabbed the defensive rebound for the Monarchs and IVC was forced to foul.

But LA Valley turned the ball over on the inbounds play with four seconds to play, giving IVC another shot.

Higgins was fouled.

She made the first free throw and missed the second on purpose. Freshman guard Jessica Suruor grabbed the offensive rebound, but Higgins missed a jumper to end the game.

Irvine Valley was paced by Washington, who finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds and three steals.

Freshman guard Samantha Uehara added 10 points and five rebounds and Higgins had six points and four assists.

LA Valley was paced by Hughes and Rebecca Castillo, who each had 12 points. Castillo also had 10 rebounds.

Janelle Jiron chipped in nine points and five rebounds.

Irvine Valley plays again next Wednesday, traveling to Pasadena City at 5 p.m.