The Irvine Valley men’s volleyball team opened the 2008 season the way it ended 2007 - with a victory.

Wednesday night’s 30-21, 30-26, 30-23 win over El Camino at home wasn’t quite as important as last year’s season ending state-championship triumph over Long Beach City, but the Lasers will take it.

“It was a good start,” Irvine Valley Coach Tom Pestolesi said. “I thought we played pretty well. Our passing was very good and we dug a lot of balls. We probably dug more balls tonight (as a team) than at any time last year. The kids really get after it.”

The Lasers also featured a nice balance on offense with freshman setter Phil Younglove having his choice of options.

Returning Pacific Coast Conference most valuable player Peter Johnson had 14 kills. Freshman outside hitter Reese Haine also had 14 kills and freshman middle blocker Nick Martus finished with 12 kills. Martus also had a team-high four blocks.

“We don’t have to rely on just on just one or even two guys,” Pestolesi said. “That is a nice thing to have.”

Sophomore middle blocker Adam El-Rakabawy added eight kills and sophomore outside hitter Tim Golden contributed five kills. Younglove dished out 47 assists.

Sophomore libero Kaleo Baxter led the team with 13 digs. Golden had six digs and Johnson and Haine each finished with five digs. IVC had 37 digs as a team.

The Lasers broke open the first game with a 10-3 run to take an 18-11 lead and then never looked back. A kill by Johnson and a combination block by Martus and Haine capped the run.

Irvine Valley trailed in the second game, 19-18, but came roaring back to go up two games to none.

The Lasers had little trouble in the third game to secure the sweep.

“I liked what I saw,” Petolesi said. “We definitely have a shot this year. And that is all you can ask for.”

Irvine Valley plays again on Friday, traveling to Santa Barbara City for a 6 p.m. contest