The Irvine Valley women's volleyball team battled back after dropping the first two sets, but ended up falling in four sets to Saddleback, 25-12, 25-18, 24-26, 25-16, in an Orange Empire Conference match at home on Wednesday night.
Irvine Valley's record went to 2-12 overall and 2-4 in conference play. Saddleback improved to 9-3 overall and 5-0 in conference.
Freshman opposite Hailey Oldham led IVC with 10 kills and 14 digs and sophomore outside hitter Audrey Fowler contributed six kills and a team-high 27 digs.
Freshman outside hitter Alya Mersin chipped in seven kills, 11 digs and four blocks and freshman setter Alondra Castro ran the offense with 27 assists. She added 14 digs on the night.
Sophomore libero Nikki Korneff finished with 18 digs and freshman middle blocker Valeria Leon had six blocks.
The Lasers have a bye in conference play on Friday night and will be home again next Wednesday, hosting Fullerton at 6 p.m.
