The Irvine Valley women's volleyball team was ready to play on Friday night in its 2021 season opener at College of the Canyons.
The Lasers in an early season showdown between two top teams in Southern California, defeated a tough Canyons squad in four sets, 25-16, 25-20, 24-26, 25-17.
Irvine Valley moved to 1-0 overall on the year.
IVC plays again next Friday against San Diego Miramar, but fans will not be allowed on the Irvine Valley campus.
Friday at Canyons, the Lasers were on point from start to finish.
"I was very happy about how the team played tonight," coach Ryan Windisch said. "We played as one big unit. Everyone contributed and I am excited about hotw close this group is...this early in the season."
IVC's defense stood out, holding Canyons to just a .146 hitting percentage. The Lasers finished with 63 digs and 10 blocks.
Sophomore libero Alexandra Pestolis had 21 digs, freshman outside hitter Tasha Mae had 12 digs and freshman outside hitter Jaclyn Sanchez and freshman setter Maddie Harkey each had 11 digs.
Harkey ran the offense with 35 assists.
Offensively, freshman outside hitter Jayli Nealy, Sanchez and Mae were tough to stop.
The lefty, Neal, ended with 16 kills, Sanchez added 12 kills and Mae chipped in seven kills.
The match against Miramar next Friday at 6 p.m. will be streamed at (20+) Irvine Valley College Athletics | Facebook
