Irvine Valley wins OEC volleyball title outright

Irvine Valley's women's volleyball team clinched the Orange Empire Conference title outright on Wednesday night with a four-set win at Cypress.

Irvine Valley's 25-17, 25-16, 16-25, 25-18 victory improved its record to 19-0 overall and 14-0 in conference.

IVC, which is ranked second in the state and first in Southern California, had already earned at least a share of the title with its sweep of Saddleback at home last Friday.

The conference title is Irvine Valley's second straight and fifth in program history.

Cypress, which was in second place in conference heading into Wednesday night's match and ranked No. 5 in the state and third in Southern California, saw its record drop to 17-4 overall and 10-4 in conference.

Irvine Valley had three players in double figures in kills, led by sophomore outside hitter and captain Marisa Doran. Doran finished with 17 kills, 15 digs and two aces on the night. She also hit .359.

Sophomore outside hitter and captain Kobi Pekich had 13 kills, 13 digs and three blocks and sophomore All-American middle blocker Annie Mitchem added 11 kills, six digs and five blocks.

Sophomore setter and captain Hailey Jones ended with 47 assists and 10 digs.

Irvine Valley also got a strong performance from freshman middle blocker Hannah Matt, who finished with seven kills, hit .545 and chipped in four blocks.

And freshman libero Kayla Scheevel contributed 10 digs in the Laser win.

Irvine Valley finishes the regular season with two straight home matches now.

Irvine Valley hosts Orange Coast on Friday at 6 p.m. and then plays host to Fullerton next Wednesday at 6 p.m.