Irvine Valley dominated on all facets of the game handing Golden West its first loss of the season of 25-17, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23 at home.

Golden West (12-1) was playing on its heels the whole game and Irvine Valley (13-0) took full advantage of it. The Rustler tandem of Jordyn Sanchez and Tyler Davis were not their normal selves on offense recording only 20 kills combined. Middle blocker Drucilla Gauta was the shining light on offense with 17 kills and a .343 hitting percentage.

It was a tale of two courts defensively as the Rustler back court did a stellar job recording 53 digs. Libero Kelynn Mullally and Sanchez were once again at the top of the dig charts with 19 and 16 respectively. Lack of front court defense did not help Golden West as only 6 blocks were recorded and forced the back court work extra hard.

Even though Irvine Valley had plenty of positive contribution, one player stood out from everyone on both sides. Middle blocker Annie Mitchem led the way for the Lasers both in blocks with 8 and kills with 14. She towered over the Rustler front court scoring easily and often. It was only fitting for Irvine Valley that a Mitchem block ended the match.

The Lasers recorded an astounding 56 kills offensively. Behind Mitchem, Marisa Doran recorded 12, and Alexis Radecki and Kobi Pekich earned 11.

Golden West looks to return to the win column at home next Wednesday, Oct. 30 against Santa Ana. 

Written by: Kyle Infante