Orange Coast College

Women's Basketball: Pirates scorch nets early, top Lasers in OEC opener

Thursday, January 10, 2008

IRVINE -- The Orange Coast College women's basketball team quickly showed that last week's loss to Ventura is a thing of the past, breezing past host Irvine Valley 81-60 on Wednesday night.

Hitting 21 of their first 35 shots, including 7-of-15 from 3-point range, the Pirates (17-2 overall) controlled the Orange Empire Conference opener right from the opening tip.

Led by 21 points, six rebounds and five assists from Courtney Ford, the Pirates opened up a 55-16 halftime lead, holding the Lasers (11-6 overall) to just 6-of-23 from the floor (26.1 percent) in the first half. Katie Kissee added 16 points and four assists, while Erin Barney added 13 points. Point guard Rachael Maulit added nine points and dished out eight assists in the win.

IVC was led by Ashley Dunn, who had 14 points and five rebounds. Tiffany Smith and Patrice Fuentes each added nine.

OCC, ranked No. 4 in Southern California and No. 7 in the state, returns to action on Friday at home against Cypress, beginning at 7:30 p.m.