Ludwicki’s Day Means Lights Out for Santa Ana

Orange Coast’s Jennifer Ludwicki is always a threat to score--especially on Fridays.

Ludwicki, a sophomore guard, had 37 points, including seven three-pointers, as Orange Coast defeated host Santa Ana, 82-53, in an Orange Empire Conference women’s basketball game Friday.

Ludwicki, who made 13 of 18 shots, is averaging a conference-best 24 points and has been more impressive at the end of the week.

She has scored 104 points in the six Wednesday games but has 169 in the six Friday games. The 46 points she scored against Saddleback Feb. 6 didn’t hurt her Friday totals either.

“I don’t plan to do it,” said Ludwicki, who will play at New Orleans next season. “It just sort of happens. Tonight, my teammates set some really good screens to get me open.”

Ludwicki had 20 points in the first half as Orange Coast opened a 33-23 lead. Ludwicki had five points and Natalie Weeks had four as the Pirates started the second half with a 9-0 run.

Becky Loshak had 13 for Orange Coast (21-9, 9-3), which is tied for second with Irvine Valley. Both teams trail Fullerton by a game with two left.

Orange Coast plays its biggest two games of the season starting Wednesday at Irvine Valley. The Pirates, who have three conference losses by a total of four points, host Fullerton Friday. Both games are at 5:30 p.m.

Shanna Renken had 11 points for Santa Ana (18-7, 7-5), which lost to the Pirates in the first round, 64-44.