It wasn't the Irvine Valley women's volleyball team's best performance of the season, but it was still another win for the Lasers.
Irvine Valley, ranked No. 2 in the state, stayed undefeated after holding off a spirited Fullerton squad, 25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, in an Orange Empire Conference opener on Friday night at IVC.
Irvine Valley improved its record to 8-0 overall, while Fullerton's record slipped to 4-5 overall.
Irvine Valley hit a season-low .231 on the night, but did get big performances from a few players, especially out of the middle.
Sophomore middle blocker Kristian Austin had 16 kills with no errors and hit .615 on the night to lead the way.
Freshman middle blocker Paea Tafea stepped up and contributed mightily for IVC. She finished with 10 kills and hit .364.
Sophomore outside hitter Lea Kruse ended with 13 kills, 11 digs and six aces and sophomore outside hitter Alaina Gendale added seven kills and eight digs.
Sophomore libero Anna Unke ended with eight digs, freshman defensive specialist Lexie Pereira had seven digs and sophomore setter Truth Hafey finished with 50 assists and 11 digs for Irvine Valley in the win.
After seven straight home matches, Irvine Valley plays its next three contests on the road, starting with a conference match at Santa Ana next Wednesday at 6 p.m.
