Irvine Valley's women's soccer team closed out the first round of Orange Empire Conference play on a strong note.
The Lasers scored three goals in the second half and defeated Norco, 3-0, on Tuesday at home.
Irvine Valley remained in third place in the conference standings and improved its record to 8-2-3 overall and 5-2-1 in conference. Norco's record fell to 2-10-0 overall and 0-8-0 in conference.
Irvine Valley out-shot Norco, 9-1, in the first half, but couldn't create any real solid chances.
Just three of IVC's shots in the first 45 minutes were on goal.
That all changed in the second half.
Irvine Valley's first five shots of the second half were on target. And the fifth one – struck by freshman forward Crystal Lefebvre - found the back of the net in the 60th minute.
Freshman forward Rosa Soto Aleman made a move with the ball into the box and then passed across to Lefebvre, who settled, took one dribble to her right and sent a shot that made its way just inside the left post.
Nine minutes later, the Lasers took a 2-0 lead.
Sophomore defender Emely Portillo made a run up the right side and crossed to sophomore midfielder Kristen Ostler, who one-timed a hard shot on goal. Norco goalie Graciela Frias was able to stop the shot, but the rebound bounced right to IVC freshman midfielder Marissa Rico, who scored.
Irvine Valley capped its scoring in the 79th minute. Sophomore forward Tiana Salazar sent a pass forward to freshman midfielder Veronica Ramos, who beat Frias with a shot.
Irvine Valley ended up out-shooting Norco, 20-1, in the contest with 13 shots on goal.
Frias ended up making 10 saves for Norco. IVC freshmen goalies Herminia Verduzco and Yesenia Pulido each played a half in goal and neither had to make a save.
Irvine Valley opens the second half of conference play on Friday at conference-leading and nationally ranked Santiago Canyon. The Hawks defeated the Lasers, 1-0, the first time the two teams met this season at IVC.
