The Irvine Valley women's basketball team's season will continue after a big-time win on Saturday night.
The Lasers out-scored Mt. San Jacinto, 19-7, in the fourth quarter, held on down the streth and came away with a 59-52 victory in the second round of the California Community College Athletic Association SoCal Regional Playoffs at home.
Irvine Valley, seeded eighth in the region, improved their record to 21-8 overall. No. 9 Mt. San Jacinto finished its season at 27-3.
It was a high-scoring first quarter, and then a battle the rest of the way.
IVC led Mt. San Jacinto, 23-16, after the first period and, 37-31, at the half.
But the Lasers scored just three points in the third quarter and trailed the Eagles, 45-40, heading into the fourth quarter.
Mt. San Jacinto was ahead, 47-40, early in the fourth after a basket by Rayven Crook.
And then Irvine Valley started its comeback.
IVC tied the score at 47 on a three-pointer by sophomore guard Kennedy Pucci with 6:01 left in the game.
The Lasers took the lead for good on their next possession with freshman guard Emily Freeman hitting a corner three-pointer off of a pass from freshman guard Ella Will.
Another three-pointer by Freeman with 2:14 remaining gave Irvine Valley a 55-50 lead and sealed the win.
Freeman finished with 21 points and went 7 of 13 from three-point range. She played all 40 minutes.
Pucci had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists and freshman guard Trasara Alexander added 13 points, 14 rebounds and five assists for the Lasers.
Freshman post player Giselle Martinez contributed seven points, eight reobunds and three blocks.
Mt. San Jacinto was led by Sandee Heiermann with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists and Valeria Brewer had 12 points and two steals.
Irvine Valley plays next at Orange Empire rival and No. 1-seed Orange Coast on Saturday in a regional final with a trip to the state tournament on the line.
