Men's volleyball team rolls to start conference action

Courtesy of On My Game Photography
Courtesy of On My Game Photography

Irvine Valley's men's volleyball team won its second match of the week and started Orange Empire Conference play off on a strong note with a sweep at Santiago Canyon on Friday night.

Irvine Valley came out on top, 25-16, 25-17, 25-12 to improve its record to 10-2 overall.

The Lasers, ranked No. 3 in the state, now prepare for one of its biggest weeks of the season.

IVC hosts Golden West No. 10 Golden West next Wednesday at 6 p.m. and then plays at No. 2 Orange Coast on Friday.

Orange Coast (11-2) has won seven matches in a row. IVC, which has a record of 10-2, has won 10 of its last 11 contests.

The Lasers hit .413 on Friday night to breeze by Santiago Canyon in the conference opener.

Sophomore Matt August, who leads the state in hitting percentage, hit .786 with 12 kills and just one error in 14 attempts. He also added six blocks.

Sophomore outside hitter Brennan To finished with 10 kills, hit .444 and had four digs and sophomore outside hitter Patrick Furlong chipped in seven kills.

Freshman libero Kelsey Yogi had 10 digs and freshman setter Dean Balagot, getting his first start of the season, ended with 33 assists.