HORNETS RUN THROUGH BOBCATS

In an Orange Empire Conference matchup, the Hornets welcomed Saddleback to the Nest on Friday night and ran through the Bobcats 75-46.

With the win, Fullerton improves to 18-6 overall and trails first-place Orange Coast College by a game in the OEC at 6-2. Saddleback's loss lands the team at 11-12 overall and 5-6 in conference-play.

FC spotted the Bobcats a 6-4 lead after Makayla Rutledge knocked down a deep three-pointer in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The Hornets quickly erased their deficit grabbing a 11-6 edge on Hailey Lakey's layup in the 5th minute. By the end of the quarter, Fullerton owned a 21-11 lead.

The Hornets put a stamp on the game in the second quarter holding Saddleback to 7 points for a 36-18 halftime lead. FC held the Bobcats to 17% shooting in the quarter setting the tone for the rest of the contest. Overall the Hornets out-shot the Cats 41.4% to 28.3%.

Fullerton completely dominated the second half snagging its largest lead of 37 with two minutes left in regulation. It was Kaylee Shimoda's three-pointer that capped off the run as she finished the game with a game-high 21 points and 6 rebounds. Shimoda came very close to tying the three-point record knocking down 7 in the game (7-12).  Jimena Solorio contributed 13 points with 4 rebounds. Three players scored 8 points in Brittlay Carillo (5 assists), Xochitl Hood (6 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals), and Hailey Lakey (15 rebounds/3 assists). Julianna Conklin scored 7 points, had 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Up Next: No. 16 Fullerton (18-6 overall, 6-2 OEC) will have two road games next week. On Tuesday, February 11th, the Hornets play at No. 24 Santa Ana at 5:00 pm. Then, FC takes on the No.3 Pirates of Orange Coast College for a big OEC showdown on Thursday, February 13th at 6:00 pm.