Volleyball team gets back in the win column at Golden West

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

After a disappointing loss to rival Orange Coast last week at home, the third-ranked Irvine Valley went on the road in its next chance on the court and came through with a sweep.

The Lasers defeated Golden West, 25-17, 25-19, 25-23, Wednesday night in an Orange Empire Conerence match.

Irvine Valley improved its record to 10-2 overall and 1-1 in conference.

The Lasers cruised through the first two sets and were way ahead in the third set.

Sophomore opposite Demetre Gossett's kill gave IVC a 20-9 advantage.

A kill by freshman opposite Brandon Davis put IVC ahead, 23-11.

Golden West made a late run with seven straight points to pull within 23-18. Another kill by Davis gave the Lasers set match point.

The Rustlers rattled off five more points, but freshman middle blocker Chris Rivera ended things with a big kill.

Gossett finished with 12 kills and hit .450. He also had four aces on the night.

Freshman outside hitter Zach McEntire ended with eight kills and hit .429, and Rivera, sophomore Julio Gutierrez and freshman outside hitter Damon Kooiman each added five kills. Gutierrez also hit .714, Rivera .625 and Kooiman .500.

Freshman setter Kaina Alvarez contributed 26 assists and soph9omore libero Adam Schulte had eight digs. Sophomore outside hitter Leonardo Mazuco chipped in four kills, three aces and five digs.

As a team, Irvine Valley hit .383 in the match.

Irvine Valley plays again on Friday in another conference match at Fullerton at 6 p.m.