Irvine Valley's men's volleyball team cleared a big test in an important Orange Empire Conference match on Wednesday night.
The Lasers, ranked No. 1 in the state, topped No. 7 Golden West in four sets on the road.
Irvine Valley came out on top, 31-29, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22.
IVC improved its record to 11-1 overall and 2-0 in conference.
The victory was Irvine Valley's eighth straight. The Lasers haven't lost since Feb. 8 at NCAA Division II Concordia.
Irvine Valley got contributions from several players in the win. Freshman middle blocker Matt August had 14 kills and hit .409, sophomore outside hitter Ruben Lopez added 13 kills, six digs and three aces and freshman outside hitter Brennan To contributed 12 kills, three blocks and four digs.
Sophomore libero Josh Evers finished with five digs and two aces and freshman setter Austin McBain ran the offense with 45 assists. He also had five digs.
It was the sixth time that McBain had topped 40 assists in a match this season and third time in the last four matches.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday in a battle of the top two teams in the state. No. 1 IVC hosts second-ranked Orange Coast at 6 p.m.
It is also Dig Pink Night for the Lasers with all proceeds going toward the fight against breast cancer.
