FABULOUS SEASON COMES TO AN END

The No. 23 Fullerton College women's basketball team saw its remarkable season come to a close Saturday night after a hard-fought 46-39 loss to No. 2 Irvine Valley College in the Southern California Regional Final.

The Hornets pushed the 2026 Orange Empire Conference Champion Lasers for four quarters before Irvine Valley sealed the victory with key free throws late to advance to the 3C2A State Tournament.

Fullerton's defense kept the Hornets within striking distance throughout the contest. Irvine Valley shot just 30.4 percent from the field, while the Hornets finished at 30 percent in a game where points were difficult to come by. From beyond the arc, Fullerton held an edge, knocking down 4-17 three-pointers (23.5%) while limiting the Lasers to 1-9 (11.1%) from deep.

The opening quarter set the tone for the defensive struggle. Both teams exchanged baskets before Femi Nodal drilled a three-pointer late in the period to give Fullerton an 8-6 lead heading into the second quarter.

Irvine Valley swung the momentum in the second quarter with a decisive 20-3 run turning a tight game into a 26-11 halftime lead.

Despite the deficit, the Hornets refused to fold. Fullerton battled back in the second half behind strong defensive pressure and timely baskets eventually cutting the deficit to four points with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Irvine Valley took advantage at the free-throw line down the stretch to hold off the Hornets.

FC was led by Erin Choi, who scored 13 points, while Chloe Chang added 9 points. Hailey Lakey contributed 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in a strong all-around effort.

Rebounding proved to be a major factor in the game as Irvine Valley controlled the glass 54-32, including a decisive advantage in second-chance opportunities outscoring Fullerton 16-2 on second-chance points.

Despite the loss, the Hornets completed one of the program's most memorable seasons under head coach Dan Desmond.

After reaching the playoffs last season for the first time in a decade and earning the program's first postseason victory in 14 years the Hornets took another major step forward this year. Fullerton advanced to the Southern California Regional Final for the first time since 2010 earning impressive road victories over No. 10 Santa Barbara City College and No. 7 Mt. San Jacinto College along the way.

The postseason run further solidified the Hornet's resurgence and demonstrated that the program is firmly headed in the right direction.

Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet!