Irvine Valley's women's basketball team sure didn't look ahead to its showdown with Cypress on Friday night.
The Lasers took care of business at Santa Ana on Wednesday with a 85-55 victory that improved their record to 22-3 overall and 11-0 in the Orange Empire Conference.
IVC, ranked No. 7 in the state and third in Southern California, leads No. 19 Cypress by one game for first place in the standings. Cypress is the two-time defending conference champion.
Irvine Valley was ready from the start on Wednesday at Santa Ana, taking a 23-11 lead after the first quarter. IVC then out-scored Santa Ana, 14-4, in the second quarter to put the game away and take a 37-15 lead into the break.
On the night, sophomore forward Kasey Smit led the way with 22 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Sophomore guard Elizabeth Garcia added 19 points, six assists and four steals. Garcia made 7 of 10 shots from the floor, including 4 of 6 from three-point range.
Freshman guard Cydnie Danan chipped in 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. She was 5 of 9 from three-point land. Sophomore forward Kiara Warren had 11 points and nine rebounds and freshman guard Lexi Vail finished with eight assists for the Lasers.
Irvine Valley finished with 27 assists as a team on its 30 made baskets.
Santa Ana was paced by Sally Morris, who had 18 points.
Irvine Valley will host Cypress on Friday at 5 p.m. The Lasers rallied for a 74-68 win at Cypress when the two teams met on Jan. 17 at Cypress.
