Women's volleyball team wins two, drops in state rankings

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

Despite winning both of its matches last week, the Irvine Valley women's volleyball team dropped three spots in this week's state rankings and one place in the Southern California poll.

Irvine Valley, which was ranked No. 19 last week is down to 22nd in this week's top 25 poll.

IVC went from 11th to 12th in the Southern California rankings.

Irvine Valley improved its record to 3-1 last week with two wins, including taking its Orange Empire Conference opener on Friday at home.

Irvine Valley swept Palomar, 25-17, 25-17, 25-12 on the road on Tuesday night and then defeated Orange Coast, 25-18, 25-22, 16-25, 25-13, at home on Friday in its OEC opener.

Freshman outside hitter Taira Ka'awaloa had 12 kills and 11 digs to lead the way in the win over Palomar. She also hit .435 on the night. Sophomore setter Alissa Blevins finished with 28 assists and 11 digs.

In IVC's win over Orange Coast on Friday, sophomore opposite Juju Cannon had a season-high 17 kills to go along with seven digs and four aces. Ka'awaloa added 13 kills and 10 digs, freshman outside hitter Hannah Holder had 10 kills and five digs, sophomore libero Taylor Askins finished with 10 digs and Blevins had 48 assists for IVC.

Irvine Valley plays at Santiago Canyon on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and then has a big match on Friday against Cypress at home at 6 p.m. Cypress is ranked eighth in the state and fifth in Southern California.

The top 10-ranked teams in the state this week were Grossmont, Pierce, Santa Barbara City, Cabrillo, Fresno city, MiraCosta, American River, Cypress, Sacramento City and El Camino.