The Irvine Valley men's tennis team dropped its first match of the 2022 season Thursday afternoon at home, but the Lasers learned a lot.
The match featured two of what are expected to be the top teams in the state this season.
IVC coach Ross Duncan said the 6-3 defeat was a good learning lesson for the Lasers to show the work that needs to be put in going forward.
The Lasers trailed, 2-1, after the opening doubles round with College of the Desert winning on the first and third courts.
IVC earned its victory at No. 2 doubles as freshmen Luis Moros and JC Vargas, 6-4.
In singles, College of the Desert won the first five matches to capture the overall win.
Irvine Valley No. 1 player Arthur Bellegy played well, but fell to Roadrunner top player Elijah Strode, 7-6, 7-6.
College of the Desert also won matches at No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6 singles to wrap up the victory.
IVC picked up wins in three sets from Pierre Vandegaer (1-6, 6-3, 6-4) on the third court and from Kiichi Ishida (4-6, 7-6, 10-8) at No. 5 singles.
The Lasers play again next Tuesday, hosting NCAA Division II Concordia at 2 p.m.
