Irvine Valley's women's volleyball team took another step toward an Orange Empire Conference Friday.
The Lasers, ranked No. 9 in the state, swept their sixth opponent in a row with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-20 win at No. 20 Cypress.
Irvine Valley, which improved to 15-4 overall and 11-1 in the OEC, has a two-match lead over Santa Ana and Orange Coast in the standings.
IVC hosts No. 14 Santa Ana next Wednesday in a big match and will finish the regular sesaon with contests at Saddleback and Fullerton before ending at home against Santiago Canyon on Nov. 15.
The Lasers defeated Cypress for the second time this season Friday night.
Irvine Valley had hit at least .300 in each of its previous four victories. That streak came to an end against Cypress as IVC recorded a .265 mark, but it was still more than enough.
Freshman outside hitter Tessa Marocco finished with 13 kills, seven digs and three blocks and sophomore opposite Jayli Nealy had 13 kills to lead the Lasers.
IVC sophomore middle blocker Kendall Fraser added six kills, three blocks and hit a team-best .625
And sophomore outside hitter Angelina Griego chipped in five kills and eight digs, sophomore libero Gabi Brown had 14 digs and sophomore setter Maddie Harkey contributed 34 assists and four digs for Irvine Valley, which has now won 35 sets and dropped just six in conference play.
