Pirates women attempt to widen Orange Empire lead

The Orange Coast College women’s basketball team, ranked No. 5 in Southern California and No. 10 in the state, will try to solidify its spot atop the Orange Empire Conference standings tonight at 7:30 against visiting Saddleback.

Coach Mike Thornton’s Pirates (19-3, 3-1 in conference) will face a Gauchos squad that is 16-5, 3-2, and ranked No. 11 in Southern California.

OCC used a 17-0 run to finish the first half to earn a 73-49 triumph over Saddleback in the title game of the Coast Christmas Classic at OCC on Dec. 16.

The Pirates are led by sophomore guard Courtney Ford, last year’s conference Player of the Year. Ford, who became the school’s career scoring leader Friday with 1,131 points, is averaging 21.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season.

OCC is also keyed by sophomores Katie Kissee (11.5 ppg, including a team-high 40 three-pointers), Brittany Taylor (7.3 ppg and 4.1 rpg) and Rachael Maulit (6.6 assists per game).

Saddleback is led by sophomore guard Cassie Klockgether (17.5 ppg, 6.0 apg) and 6-foot-3 sophomore center Rekeshia Jones (15.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg, and 4.4 blocks per contest).

— Barry Faulkner