The Irvine Valley women's baskeball team, ranked No. 14 in the state, picked up another win in the Orange Empire Conference and remained in second place in the standings, right behind Orange Coast, with a 72-55 victory over district rival Saddleback Friday night at home.
It was also a special night as IVC honored former standout Kennedy Pucci.
The star Laser guard was recently named as part of the 3C2A state scholar-athlete honor roll.
Pucci was a two-year starter, named first team all-conference and defensive MVP in the in the OEC in 2022-23.
The now Hope International University student-athlete also helped Irvine Valley to the state semifinals in the 2021-22 campaign.
On Friday against Saddleback, the Lasers had two players with at least 20 points and pulled away in the second half.
Sophomore post player Makena Tomlinson led the way with 27 points and 15 rebounds for IVC. She made 11 of 15 shots from the field in 36 minutes.
IVC sophomore wing Christen Ziska added 20 points and nine rebounds and freshman guard Moka Saiki contributed eight rebounds, five assists and six steals.
Irvine Valley shot 43.3 percent (26 of 60) from the field and 39.3 percent (11 of 28) from three-point range.
The Lasers also out-rebounded Saddleback, 51-39.
Saddleback was led by Aleksia Gadea with 18 points, 10 rebounds and three steals.
Irvine Valley plays again next Wednesday, hosting Riverside at 6 p.m.
