Irvine Valley's women's soccer team couldn't make it two wins in a row in Orange Empire Conference play.
After winning at Norco, 1-0, last Friday on freshman midfielder Danielle Lefebvre's first goal as a Laser, Irvine Valley came up short in a 4-1 loss at Saddleback on Tuesday.
Irvine Valley's record slipped to 4-6-2 overall and 2-4-2 in conference, while Saddleback improved to 10-2-1 overall and 6-1-1 in conference. Saddleback, which was ranked No. 5 in the state and No. 8 in the nation, was coming off its first-ever win over Santiago Canyon last Friday.
Saddleback scored all four of its goals in the first half.
The Gauchos scored six minutes into the contest as Amber Martin collected a loose ball in front of the Lasers' net and drove it into the top left corner.
Saddleback scored again four minutes later as Helene Hollidge collected a high bouncing ball near midfield and then drove the ball up the field and into the net.
Emilee Monnig received a breakaway pass from Martin with four minutes to go before the intermission and Bre Taboada added a penalty kick at the end of the first half as IVC goalkeeper Rebecca Trejo tripped up Monnig inside the penalty box.
Irvine Valley scored its goal in the final minute of the contest as sophomore defender Marissa Perez's direct free kick dropped at the feet of freshman midfielder Christina Anderson in a scramble and Anderson was able to toe the ball into the net.
Irvine Valley got one save each from Trejo and sophomore goalie Herminia Verduzco in the contest.
Freshman forward Brenda Chopin led the team with five shots, including three on goal.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday at Santiago Canyon in the start of the second round of conference play.
