Irvine Valley responds with important conference win at Fullerton

Irvine Valley's men's volleyball team bounced back from its first loss in more than a month with a gutty win over Fullerton on the road Wednesday.

Irvine Valley, ranked second in the state, won the final two sets and topped No. 6 Fullerton, 26-24, 22-25, 25-27, 25-18, 15-13 in a key Orange Empire Conference match.

IVC was swept by Orange Coast at home last Friday.

With Wednesday's win, Irvine Valley improved its record to 12-2 overall and 3-1 in conference, while Fullerton slipped to 10-6 overall and 2-2 in conference.

The Lasers struggled at times, especially with 13 service errors, but had four players finish in double figures in kills to pick up the victory.

Irvine Valley also hit .336 as a team on the night.

Freshman middle blocker Matt August had 16 kills and seven blocks to lead the way for IVC. Freshman outside hitter Patrick Furlong ended with 15 kills, six blocks and five digs, sophomore outside hitter Ruben Lopez had 11 kills, four blocks and five digs and freshman outside hitter Brennan To contributed 11 kills, three blocks and nine digs for IVC.

Irvine Valley also got seven blocks from freshman Spencer Alden and nine digs from sophomore libero Josh Evers.

And freshman setter Austin McBain chipped in 50 assists, five kills, three blocks and eight digs in the win.

Fullerton got 20 kills, six digs and two blocks from Manny Andrade, 11 kills from Kyle Young and 46 assists, eight aces and 11 digs from Dale Irvin.

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