Pirates host Lasers in conference opener

COSTA MESA -- After an impressive nonconference run, the Orange Coast College men's volleyball team will open up Pacific Coast Conference play on Wednesday night inside the Peterson Gym against Irvine Valley, beginning at 6 p.m.

Coast (7-1), locked and loaded after a strong start to the season, will take on a Laser team (3-3) still trying to find its groove as PCC play kicks off. But, according to OCC head coach Travis Turner, the records mean nothing when it comes to the Pirates and Lasers.

"In my opinion, we're both 0-0 and we need to bring our best effort against a team with such a strong tradition as Irvine Valley," Turner said. "It's always a good time when these two schools get together and I expect another tough battle on Wednesday."

A pair of offensive standouts lead the way for the Pirates in sophomore Adrian Faitalia and freshman Gianluca Grasso. Both are tied for third in the state with 84 kills and both bring a solid, all-around game that makes life miserable for the opposition. Faitalia is second in the state with 62 digs, while Grasso is sixth with 54.

"They both do so many things so well, both offensively and defensively," Turner said. "I'm glad to have those two on my side of the net, that's for sure."

For the Lasers, right-side standout Kyle Radecki has been a strong offensive weapon for the Lasers, averaging 16 kills per match in 2016, including a 22-kill, five-block performance against Santa Barbara City College on Friday.

In addition to it being the confrence opener for both teams, the Pirates will honor Newport Rib Complany owner John Ursini, a community leader, who has been instrumental in the development of not only OCC athletics, but athletics throughout the Newport-Mesa area. All proceeds from Wednesday's match will go to Costa Mesa United, a non-profit organization that provides grants for youth sports programs and facilities in Costa Mesa.