One and done for IVC
Irvine Valley’s women’s basketball team started its second season as the No. 13 seed in the Southern California Regional playoffs last Friday against the No. 4 seeded Ventura Pirates.
In the first half alone, the Pirates scored more points than the Lasers scored the entire game, and IVC made a quick postseason exit with a 86-37 road loss.
The 86 points the Lasers gave up was the most they have given up all season. They also matched a season-low in points scored, something they also did in a loss to San Bernadino in December.
In the first half, the Pirates scored 42 points and shot 52 percent from the field, which included going 5-for-12 from behind the three-point line.
They were lights out from the charity stripe as well, hitting all 14 of their free throws. The Lasers had a difficult time shooting the ball and getting any momentum.
“It was unfortunate we didn’t go farther in the playoffs,” said sophomore Jenna Schonfeld. “But all good things come to an end. We had a great season with a lot of ups and downs.”
The second half was not much prettier for the Lasers (18-13), as the Pirates scored 46 points and didn’t let up.
They were 58 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arch while nailing 15 of 19 free throws. The Lasers’ Shamia Briscoe was hit with a technical foul with 12:26 remaining in the game as IVC’s frustration was beginning to show.
The Pirates had two girls score 20 or more points. The Lasers could not stop Jenelle Conklin. She was 8 of 9 from the field, 1 of 1 from three-point land and perfect from the free throw line, going 5 for 5. Comklin had a total of 22 points. Indira Kaljo also scored 20 points for the Pirates (26-8).
With agony comes a look to the future. Many of Lasers that made the playoffs this year could be returning to the team to play next season.
This year, Nicole Tait and Schonfeld led the team. They now will pass the torch to freshmen DJ Butler, Ashley Dunn and Patrice Fuentas, all of whom were starters for the Lasers by the end of the season.
The Pirates look to face Irvine Valley’s sister school, Saddleback College, in the second round of the playoffs. That game will take place Saturdayat 5:30 p.m. at Ventura.