The Irvine Valley women's volleyball team had a season to remember last year.

The Lasers were ranked No. 1 in the state for much of the year, won 22 straight matches at one point, went undefeated in the Orange Empire Conference, reached the Southern California Regional finals and had their first ever first-team all-American in outside hitter Chelsea Pavlik, who has since moved on to UC Santa Barbara.

The Lasers have a chance to be just as good this year.

"We have a shot to do so," Irvine Valley Coach Tom Pestolesi said. "I am excited about this team. We can be pretty good."

The Lasers return four players from last year's 22-1 team, including two that were named all-Orange Empire Conference.

Opposite and outside hitter Camryn Torromeo was named first team all-conference after finishing second on the team in aces (51), third on the team in digs (146) and fourth in kills (129).

Outside hitter Marilena Guadagnini, was selected second team all conference. She was second on the team with 215 kills, averaging 2.72 kills per game. She was also tied for fourth in blocks and fifth in aces.

Libero Amanda Donaldson was second on the team in digs with 214 (2.97 per game).

And middle blocker Katie Pascoe led the team in blocks with 44 and was fifth on the team in kills with 103.

"We have a really nice group of returning players and some solid new players who we are also going to count on," Pestolesi said. "There is a good mix."

Key among the newcomers is freshman setter Allie Hammer from San Clemente High.

"She is a really good volleyball player and not just a setter," Pestolesi said. "She can hit too. Alie is going to help us in a lot of ways. She can play the whole game."

Pestolesi is also high on three incoming middle blockers. They are freshmen Caitlin Segert (Corona Centennial High), Kelsey Hall (Marina High) and Carly Loucks (Villa Park High).

"It really gives us some depth there, which we haven't had the last couple of seasons," Pestolesi said. "They have nice height and can all play."

So can freshman outside hitter Casey Williams from Beckman High.

"She goes after it," Pestolesi said. "And she is just going to get better and better."

Others expected to contribute include defensive specialist Alyssa Swatek (Chino Hills Ayala High) and Nicole May (Centennial High), who can play just about anywhere.

Also, freshman outside hitter Roxy Kahler (Foothill High), freshmen defensive specialist Casey Lile (Santa Margarita High) and Jamie Goto (University High) and freshman setter Lanie Titterud (Foothill High).

"I like all the athleticism we have," Pestolesi said. "And we have a lot of experience even though we only have a few returners. All of these freshmen have been playing really competitive volleyball for years.

"I also think we have a lot of options on the floor. There is good balance. Other teams won't be able to key on just one player. It should be a fun year."

Irvine Valley begins its season Wednesday night with a home match against Victor Valley at 5 p.m.