The first match under new head men's volleyball coach Ryan Windisch was a success on Wednesday night.
The Lasers defeated Santa Barbara City, 25-19, 23-25, 25-16, 28-26 on the road in a nonconference contest.
Windisch knows a little about what it means to be a success at IVC.
Windisch, who has taken over from legendary hall of fame Irvine Valley coach Tom Pestolesi, was a standout at IVC in his own right.
He spent a year as the Golden West men's coach last season, but has deep ties to Irvine Valley.
He has been an assistant with the Irvine Valley women's indoor team, which has made the state tournament the last two years and won the state title and went undefeated in 2017.
Windisch played one season (2011-12) at Irvine Valley and was one of the team's leader in digs (2.25 per set). He was also instrumental in the team making a playoff run.
Windisch moved on to play at Long Beach State after Irvine Valley and before starting his college coaching career.
He has taken over an IVC men's team that had a record of 16-6 overall last season, reached the semifinals of the CCCAA State Championship tournament and finished No. 4 in the final state rankings.
And the Lasers look to have another solid team this year.
On Wednesday, Long Beach State signee Grant Marrochi collected 12 kills and hit .800 to help lead Irvine Valley to the 3-1 win over Santa Barbara City.
The fourth set was an instant classic with 18 ties and three lead changes.
The Vaqueros led, 20-18, after a kill by Calvin Sanborn.
But Irvine Valley rallied to take a 24-23 lead and the Vaqueros staved off three match points before freshman outside hitter Demetre Gossett served his seventh ace to close out the 28-26 victory.
Sophomore outside hitter Sean Carroll added eight kills, freshman outside hitter Declan Holder had seven kills and six digs, freshman middle blocker Tristan Belsby contributed five block assists and freshman setter Isaiah Powell finished with 36 assists for IVC in the win.
Calvin Sanborn paced the Vaqueros with 18 kills and eight digs. Trent Lingruen added 11 kills and Blake Lockhart contributed eight kills, seven digs and five blocks. Scott Sanborn led in digs with 16.
Irvine Valley plays again on Saturday, taking part in the Orange Coast Quad event. The Lasers are slated to take on Santa Monica and Long Beach City.