Irvine Valley's men's volleyball team ran into two tough, experienced opponents the last two days.
The Lasers lost to the Costa Mesa Stunners pro team, 25-20, 29-27, 26-24 on Friday night at home.
Costa Mesa included several former college standouts, including Irvine Valley's own Matt August, Kyle Ridecki and David Grandy.
IVC hit just .186 in the contest and had 12 serving errors.
Freshman right side Demetre Gossett and freshman middle blocker Grant Marocchi each had five kills for IVC. Gossette also added four aces.
Freshman setter Isaiah Powell finished with 21 assists and five digs for IVC.
Irvine Valley turned around and played four-year Westcliff University from Irvine on Saturday afternoon was swept, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23.
The Lasers had their chances in all three sets, especially the first where they led, 19-17 late.
But Westcliff scored three points in a row, taking a 20-19 lead on a kill by Rene Maza.
Irvine Valley tied things up at 20 and 21. A kill by Gossett knotted the score at 21-21.
But a service error and hiting error by Irvine Valley put the Warriors up for good.
IVC climbed within 24-23 on an ace by freshman defensive specialist Kainoa Downing.
Westcliff closed out the set on the next point, however, getting a kill by Marques Buggs.
Irvine Valley tried to battle back in the second set, but could only get as close as 22-20 late.
Up, 24-21, Barry Greenough had a kill to end the set for Westcliff.
IVC played right with Westcliff in the third set, but it wasn't enough.
Irvine Valley was much better on offense against Westcliff, hitting .436 for the match.
Gossette came through with 14 kills, five digs anad three aces, sophomore outside hitter Sean Carroll had 10 kills and seven digs and Marocchi finished with six kills and five blocks. Freshman libero Jonathan Immanuel added eight digs and Powell ran the offense with 32 assists.
Irvine Valley, which saw its record slip to 3-3 overall, has two matches on the road next week. The Lasers play at LA Pierce on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and then travel to Palomar on Thursday for a 7 p.m. contest.
