No. 14 Irvine Valley heads into Orange Empire play with 77-48 victory over Palo Verde

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BLYTHE - Irvine Valley's women's basketball team improved its record to 9-5 overall with a 77-48 win at Palo Verde on Friday night.

It was the Lasers' final nonconference contest of the season. IVC opens Orange Empire Conference play next Wednesday night at home against defending state champion Orange Coast at 6 p.m.

Irvine Valley led, 32-30, at the half on Friday, but out-scored the Pirates, 45-18, in the second half.

Freshman guard Moka Saiki led the way for the Lasers with 20 points, three rebounds and six steals. Sophomore wing Christen Ziska added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists and sophomore guard Emily Freeman had 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Freshman guard Avril Ho contributed seven points, five rebounds, seven assists and four steals for IVC.

The Lasers shot 35.2 percent from the field (32 of 91) as a team and out-rebounded Palo Verde, 65-48, in the game. IVC recorded 21 assists on its 32 made baskets.

(Irvine Valley College Athletics)