Irvine Valley's women's volleyball team bounced back from its first defeat of the season with a sweep over Santa Barbara City at home on Wednesday night.
The 25-18, 25-22, 25-16 victory was Irvine Valley's sixth sweep of the season and improved the squad's record to 6-1 overall.
Irvine Valley, ranked No. 5 in the state, fell in four sets to No. 2 San Diego Mesa in the Mesa Quad event last Friday.
The Lasers were led by sophomore opposite Ava Guenther, who finished with 11 kills and five digs. She also hit .304 in the match.
Sophomore outside hitter Tessa Marocco added nine kills and 15 digs and sophomore middle blocker Natalia Brandlin had a big night with eight kills and seven blocks. She also hit an impressive .467.
Freshman outside hitter Tatum Pongs was clutch from the service line with seven aces, including one on the deciding point of the match. She chipped in six kills and six digs.
And sophomore setter Mia Bertolone ran the offense withg 38 assists. She also had 15 digs and two blocks. Freshman libero Audrey Fowler contributed 11 digs for the Lasers.
Irvine Valley was ahead, 17-16, in the first set, but scored eight of the final 10 points.
The Lasers jumped out to an early 7-2 lead in the second set. The Vaqueros rallied late and were within 23-22 before IVC scored the final two points. A hitting error by Santa Barbara City gave IVC the set.
The third set was back and forth until IVC pulled away. The Lasers led, 12-10, and then went on a 9-3 run to take a 21-13 advantage.
A hitting error gave Irvine Valley match point and then Pongs' service ace closed things out.
Irvine Valley plays again on Friday, opening Orange Empire Conference play at Golden West at 6 p.m.
