Women's basketball team escapes with win at Fullerton

Women's basketball team escapes with win at Fullerton

The Irvine Valley women's basketball team earned its third win in Orange Empire Conference play and 12th overall with a 70-57 victory at Fullerton on Friday night.

The Lasers, ranked No. 14 in the state, were only ahead, 28-27, at the half, but out-scored Fullerton, 42-29, in the second half, including, 17-8, in the fourth quarter.

Irvine Valley improved its record to 12-6 overall and 3-1 in the conference, while Fullerton slippped to 10-8 overall and 1-3 in conference.

Sophomore post player Makena Tomlinson had her best game of the season for the Lasers with 30 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and two steals in 28 minutes. She went 13 of 17 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line.

Freshman guard Moka Saiki added 14 points and made four three-pointers for the Lasers, sophomore wing Christen Ziska contributed 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals and sophomore forward Ella Will had six points and two rebounds.

Irvine Valley shot 41.5 percent (27 of 65) from the field and had 19 assists on its 27 baskets.

In the fourth quarter, Tomlinson scored nine points on 4 of 5 shooting and added four rebounds.

Fullerton was led by Xochitl Hood with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Irvine Valley plays again on Wednesday, traveling to Cypress for a conference game at 7 p.m.