The Lariat

Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cerise Ostrem

After Wednesday's sweep of Moorpark College, Irvine Valley's coaches' clipboard recounted the stats and accomplishments of the team that advanced to 6-0 in non-conference play.

However, in the lower left corner, several scattered notes served as a visual reminder that, even in the 30-23, 30-22, 30-24 home victory, the team is not as flawless as its record.

"We always have things to work on," said IVC head coach Tom Pestolesi. "We write down notes during the game to work on this, work on that, do this, do that. This helps us know when it comes tomorrow that… they have room to get better."

That room to get better is reflected in anything but their recent win margins. Wednesday's win that was sealed with Chelsea Pavlick's match-high 23rd kill was the Lasers' forth straight sweep.

"We talked a lot about our preseason as being a tune-up and, unfortunately, some of the teams we've played have not been as strong as normal," said assistant coach Jay Hosack. "In my eyes and the other coaches' eyes, we're more like 2-0 than 6-0."

Playing in her first match Wednesday, Jessica Flood filled the void of Jillyan Mina, who is out indefinitely with an injured ligament. Flood finished with 15 kills and three block assists.

Freshman Camryn Torromeo contrinuted three kills, one block, five digs and four assists. Sophomore setter Kelly Keating had 33 assists and three block solos.

The road will only get harder for the Lasers, who will visit Santa Ana on Friday to open Orange Empire Conference play at 5 p.m. The OEC has the top three-ranked teams in the state: Orange Coast, Golden West and Fullerton.

"Our conference is like the Pac10," said assistant coach Ki Yi. "We have to battle every single time."

The Lasers will host their final preseason match against Palomar on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

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