CYPRESS, CA - Cypress women's volleyball (14-4, 7-3 OEC) was defeated by the first place Irvine Valley Lasers (15-2, 9-1 OEC) 16-25, 20-25, 16-25 at Don Johnson Court on Friday night.

For the battle of first place, the No. 10 Chargers and No. 7 Lasers met at Don Johnson Court for Pink Night. Irvine Valley started the game strong with a two-point lead. But the home team scored four unanswered points. From there on, it was neck and neck as both sides flew around the court collecting diving digs and top of the net blocks. 

With strong strikes and misdirection dump offs, Shayna Martinez was able to dupe the Irvine Valley side. At the top of the net, Zoe Ziegler met many opposing attempts from the Lasers hitters. It was a one score game for most of the first set with minimal errors from both sides. Down seven points, Cypress was able to rally back but the effort was too late for a comeback as Irvine Valley took the first set, 16-25. 

In a mirrored start to the first set, the Chargers began the second with a two point advantage. For every hard serve, there was a defender to dig from each side of the two powerhouse programs. It came down to the wire in the second set as Irvine Valley separated late and won, 20-25. 

Cypress worked to not make the third set their final. However, mistakes and balls that just fell out of play had them fall short to Irvine Valley. The Lasers had an answer to the Chargers strikes and were able to outlast in long rallies. Cypress would lose the game in the third set, 16-25. 

Rose Whitter led in kills with 12 and also led in digs with 12. Kiana Salamone led in assists with 15 while Hailey Church second on the team with 13. Martinez collected a service ace and was second in digs with eight. 

UP NEXT: Cypress will travel to Riverside for their next matchup to take on the Tigers on Wednesday, October 25th. Match will begin at 6PM.

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