Baca’s Flurry Helps Hornets Move Alone Into First Place

Angie Baca scored a game-high 25 points, including eight in one minute, as Fullerton moved alone into first place with an 82-72 victory over visiting Irvine Valley in an Orange Empire Conference women’s basketball game Friday.

The teams were tied, 51-51, when Baca made a three-pointer with 11 minutes 35 seconds left. The lead grew to 57-51 when Baca made another three-pointer with 11:02 left.

Baca, a sophomore guard, then got an easy fastbreak basket off a solid pass from Heather Floyd and Fullerton was ahead, 59-51, with 10:35 to play. Baca increased her Fullerton all-time scoring record to 1,025.

Irvine Valley was never closer than six the rest of the way. Fullerton (22-7, 8-2) holds a one-game lead over Irvine Valley, Cypress and Orange Coast.

It was the second consecutive loss for Irvine Valley (19-6, 7-3), which started the week with a one-game lead.