CHOI LEADS CHARGE OVER NO. 25 SANTA ANA

In an Orange Empire Conference showdown, the FC women's basketball squad traveled to Santa Ana College on Friday night and came away with an impressive 43-33 road victory over the Dons.

It was a statement win for the unranked Hornets, who have now knocked off three ranked teams this season. Fullerton improves to 12-13 overall and 4-5 in OEC play, while Santa Ana falls to 14-10 overall and 2-6 in conference action.

The opening quarter was tightly contested with both teams battling for position early. Locked in at 6-6, Erin Choi caught fire scoring 6 straight points to give Fullerton a 12-7 lead heading into the second quarter.

Nodal Femi pushed the Hornet advantage to 17-12 after drilling a deep three-pointer at the three-minute mark of the second. Choi followed with a triple of her own, extending the lead to 20-12. By halftime, Fullerton held a 22-16 edge.

The Hornets continued to build momentum in the third quarter taking their largest lead of the night at 14 when Choi knocked down another three to make it 32-18.

Heading into the fourth, Fullerton led 33-22, but Santa Ana refused to go quietly. The Dons pulled within 4 with two minutes remaining, but clutch free-throw shooting by Choi (7-10) down the stretch sealed the win for the Hornets.

Choi delivered a big-time performance accounting for more than half of Fullerton's points with a game-high 23. She also contributed 5 assists, 5 steals, and a block. Haliey Lakey added a strong all-around effort with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. Savannah Hernandez chipped in with 7 rebounds.

Up Next: Fullerton (12-13, 4-5 OEC) returns home to host No. 7 Cypress College in a must-win OEC matchup at the Nest on Tuesday, February 10, at 7:00 pm. Come out and support the Hornets in this pivotal conference matchup.

*Photo by Jayden Babineau