The Irvine Valley women's volleyball team swept College of the Canyons to start what looks to be a promising 2023 season.
The Lasers started very strong and came out on top, 25-7, 25-15, 25-18, Friday night on the road.
And yes, it was former Irvine Valley star and first-year head coach Anna Unke's first win on the sideline as a Laser.
She helped IVC to the CCCAA State Championships in both of her years with indoor play and one year on the beach before moving on to Cal State Bakersfield to play for the Division I Roadrunners in both sports.
"It felt great getting the first win under our belt," Unke said about Friday night's sweep. "I am looking forward to getting in the gym again Monday to keep getting better."
It was a great start Friday for the Lasers. IVC hit an impressive .468 as a team.
And a number of players stood out.
Sophomore outside hitter Tessa Marocco, who was named co-Orange Empire Conference MVP and all-region last season, had 17 kills, hit .536 and had 11 digs.
Sophomore setter Mia Bertolone ran the offense with 43 assists and added two aces and seven digs.
Transfer sophomore middle blocker Natalia Brandlin had a big night with 10 kills in 12 attempts and a .750 hitting percentage.
Freshman opposite Ava Guenther contributed nine kills, a .471 hitting percentage, three aces and four digs.
Freshman outside hitter Tatum Pongs chipped in five kills and three digs and freshman libero Audrey Fowler had nine digs for the Lasers.
"I am just proud of how the girls handled the first road trip of the year," Unke said. "They showed up ready to play and executed."
Irvine Valley plays again next Wednesday at Mt. SAC at 6 p.m. The Lasers will play their first home match of the season next Friday against Moorpark at 2 p.m.
