The Irvine Valley women's team was in a battle early on and then things got close late with Santa Ana Wednesday night at home.
But Irvine Valley used an 8-0 run to start the second period and then out-scored Santa Ana 26-16 to close the game for a 70-57 Orange Empire Conference win.
The Lasers led, 14-11, at the end of the first quarter, but out-scored the Dons, 16-8, in the second period.
Santa Ana pulled within 44-41 early in the fourth quarter, but IVC finished strong. Irvine Valley led by as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter.
Irvine Valley, ranked No. 12 in the state, improved its record to 16-7 and 7-2 in conference, while Santa Ana fell to 13-10 overall and 3-6 in the OEC.
In the run to start the second quarter freshman forward Sarah Bonsangue hit a three-pointer to give IVC a 22-11 advantage.
And sophomore guard Emily Freeman sank a three-pointer with 2:13 remaining in the game put Irvine Valley ahead, 66-48.
IVC was paced by sophomore post Makena Tomlinson with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Bonsangue added 12 points, making 4 of 6 three-pointers. Freshman point guard Haruka Mikuma ended with 10 points, four assists and two steals and Freeman contributed nine points and four assists.
Santa Ana was paced by Selena Hernandez with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday in a conference game at Golden West at 6 p.m.
