Irvine Valley Wins Battle of Rallies, Beats Orange Coast

Irvine Valley answered Orange Coast’s second-half rally with one of its own and won, 73-62, in an Orange Empire Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday in Irvine.

Orange Coast, which lost its standout forward Dianne Pulido to a shoulder injury two minutes into the game, still had a chance to win.

The Pirates used their quickness during a 21-3 run over almost eight minutes of the second half and led, 58-54, with 8 minutes 25 seconds left.

From there, the more physical Irvine Valley team used an 11-0 run to lead, 65-58, with 5:24 left.

In the end, the Pirates couldn’t make up for the loss of Pulido, who started the game with a conference-leading scoring average of 21 points. She was hurt during a scramble for a loose ball and didn’t return.

“You always want to play someone at their full strength,” Irvine Valley Coach Lisa McNamee said. “But no matter what Coast is always going to give you a good game.”

Becky Loshak had 14 points in the second half and finished with a game-high 20 for Orange Coast (14-7, 1-2). Loshak and Traci Nakamura (13 points) each had six points during the Pirates’ run.

Loshak scored on a short jumper with 3:54 remaining to cut Irvine Valley’s lead to 65-60, but the Pirates were outscored, 8-2, the rest of the game.

Jaime Broneer, a freshman forward, had her best game at Irvine Valley. She scored 19 points, got 10 rebounds and had five assists.

Dyanna Hatch had 17 points for Irvine Valley, which outrebounded Orange Coast, 43-17. Irvine Valley also made 14 of 15 free throws. The Pirates made two of four free throws.

Irvine Valley, which was playing for the first time in two weeks, is 14-5, 1-0. The Lasers play host to first-place Rancho Santiago at 7:30 p.m. Friday.