SANTA ANA, Calif. – After a shaky first half performance against Orange Coast (2-13, 0-2) on Wednesday night, the Santa Ana women's basketball team picked up the pace in the third quarter to create some separation which led to a 72-45 win.

The Dons led by just nine at the half before Brianna Aluva started to get going in the third, scoring 10 points on 4-4 shooting in five minutes. The sophomore from El Dorado finished the night with 15 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Sophomore forward Cheryl Caldera had her best game of the year, posting a line of 16 points, four rebounds and three steals while shooting 8-11 from the field while Emily Newkirk had another solid game with a team high six boards to go with six points, four steals and an assist.

Santa Ana also got some production from Nicole Robles, who added 13 points four rebounds and three assists.

With the win, the Dons jumped to a record of 9-12, 3-4, keeping them in fifth place in the Orange Empire Conference standings.

PRE-GAME: Before the game, the Santa Ana College Kinesiology and Athletics Department honored Coach John Altobelli and those who passed with a moment of silence and a short presentation.

UP NEXT: Santa Ana will travel to Saddleback on Friday for round two against the Gauchos. The Dons took the win in their first matchup by a score of 85-40.