Irvine Valley's women's volleyball team got its 2019 season off to a solid start on Wednesday night, sweeping Miramar on the road in San Diego.
The Lasers defeated the Jets, 25-18, 25-8, 25-18.
Irvine Valley is coming off a season where it went 21-2 overall, won the Orange Empire Conference title and reached the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships.
IVC was led by sophomore outside hitter Lea Kruse, who had 12 kills, hit .409 and added eight digs and two aces. Kruse was co-most valuable player of the OEC last season and was also a standout on the sand during IVC's run to the beach state championships this past spring.
Sophomore outside hitters Alaina Gendale and Gabriela Griego each contributed six kills. Gendale also had six digs and two aces.
Sophomore middle blocker Kristin Austin chipped in four kills, sophomore libero Anna Unke had six digs and freshman defensive specialist Lexie Pereira also had six digs and three aces.
Returning all-conference setter Truth Hafey ran the offense with 35 assists.
Irvine Valley will play again on Friday, hosting College of the Canyons at 5 p.m. Canyons made the playoffs last season and opened the year with a sweep of Los Angeles Mission on Wednesday night on the road.
The Cougars and Lasers have met in the regular season every year dating back to 2014, with IVC holding a 3-2 advantage in those meetings.
Canyons and IVC also squared off in the semifinal round of the 2017 CCCAA State Championship tourney.
In that meeting the Lasers held off Canyons, 3-2 (25-19, 13-25, 28-26, 23-25, 16-14) en route to an eventual state championship.
