Irvine Valley Stops Santa Ana

Irvine Valley used a 10-0 run early in the second half to gain some breathing room and went on to beat host Santa Ana, 70-61, in an Orange Empire Conference women’s basketball game Friday.

Santa Ana, ranked seventh in Southern California, scored the first five points of the second half to cut Irvine Valley’s lead to 37-36. But the eighth-ranked Lasers used a three-pointer and a free throw by Phouangmaly Pravongviengkham, and three-pointers by Jami Allred and Jennifer O’Keefe to pull ahead, 47-36.

Santa Ana got as close as six points three times, but the Dons’ comeback attempt was hampered by Irvine Valley’s aggressive defense, foul trouble and the loss of forward Stephanie Patten (10 points). She was struck in the head in a battle for a rebound early in the second half and didn’t return.

Allred led Irvine Valley with 21 points, including making 10 of 12 free throws. O’Keefe had 18 points and 11 rebounds and forward Lauren O’Hara had 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Rochelle Anthony had 25 points and 11 rebounds for Santa Ana.

“We had a blast, this was a huge game,” Allred said, “We were really pumped up. . . . Everyone contributed. It was a beautiful team win.”

The victory leaves the Lasers (16-4, 4-0) alone in first place in the early going, a game in front of Santa Ana (14-6, 3-1) and Orange Coast.