Men's volleyball team drops first match of the season

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

Irvine Valley's men's volleyball team was hoping to keep its unbeaten streak to start the 2023 season going.

The Lasers went to San Diego Mesa with a record of 5-0 on Wednesday, but fell to the Olympians in five sets, 22-25, 25-16, 23-25, 25-18, 15-13.

Irvine Valley's record slipped to 5-1 overall, while Santiago Canyon improved its record to 7-2 overall.

The Lasers play again on Friday at Santa Monica at 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, IVC led in sets, 2-1, but couldn't close San Diego Mesa out.

The Lasers hit .194 as a team on the night (58-32-134). Sophomore opposite Demetre Gossett led Ivine Valley with 22 kills and three aces.

Freshman outside hitter Damon Kooiman added 12 kills and 10 digs, sophomore middle blocker Julio Gutierrez had nine kills and four blocks, sophomore libero Adam Schulte contributed 18 digs and freshman setter Kaina Alvarez had 42 assists for the Lasers.