Irvine Valley's women's soccer program continues to make big strides.
Sophomore defender Emely Portillo recently committed to play at the University of Louisiana-Monroe next season.
It is the first Division 1 signee for the IVC program in close to 20 years and first one under the tutelage of third-year coach Joe Supe.
Irvine Valley finished with a record of 12-4-6 overall and 9-3-4 in conference for third place and also made the Southern California Regional Playoffs this past season.
It was the first time the Lasers made the playoffs in 20 years.
Irvine Valley had six players named all-Orange Empire Conference, including three to the first team.
Portillo was one of those players for the Lasers.
She was the captain of the Irvine Valley defense and a big reason why IVC allowed just 17 goals all season. The Lasers recorded 11 shutouts, which was a school record.
Irvine Valley also only gave up more than two goals in just two games all year.
Portillo anchored the middle of the field on defense for the Lasers and also added an assist during the 2014 season.
Portillo was a two-year starter for the Lasers.
She was also part of a 2013 squad that finished with a 11-7-2 record overall and just missed the playoffs.
In 2013, the former Tustin High standout, helped IVC record six shutouts. She also added one assist on the season.
Portillo is heading to a Louisiana-Monroe team that had a solid 8-10-1 record last season. As a team, the Warhawks broke the program record for points in a season with 126.
To view a gallery of Portillo's commitment photos click here
