The Irvine Valley women's basketball team made the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship Tournament last season under head coach and future state hall of famer Julie Hanks.
Hanks coached the Lasers the last 25 years and captured the last four Orange Empire Conference titles in a row with IVC.
Hanks stepped down from coaching at the end of this last school year and turned the program over to long-time basketball assistant Jason Garey.
The Lasers did not miss a beat Thursday night in their season opener with the new head coach.
Irvine Valley went on the road and defeated College of the Desert, 78-19.
Garey has been a long-time associate head coach and leader with the men's basketball team at IVC.
It was a great initial showing for the Lasers.
"We had some impact players tonight," Garey said. "Christen Ziska and Trasara Alexander played great. And I was impressed with the effort from Giselle Martinez."
Irvine Valley was led by Alexander with 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Ziska was right behind with 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Lasers.
The Lasers had two more players in double figures with sophomore forward Kennedy Pucci scoring 11 points. She also contributed seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
And Martinez had 10 points, shot 5 of 8 from the floor and chipped in eight rebounds, four steals and three blocks.
"It was a solid start," Garey said. "We still have work to do, but I am happy with the win."
Irvine Valley plays again on Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Pasadena City tourney against MiraCosta at 1 p.m.
