Orange Coast was ranked No. 3 in the first California Community College Men's Volleyball Coaches Association State Poll of 2018. The Pirates, who are the defending state champion, split matches in their own quad on Saturday. They defeated Santa Monica, 25-15, 25-15, 25-23 and then fell in the three close sets to Long Beach City. Coast was the first of three straight Orange Empire Conference teams in the rankings.

Irvine Valley's men's volleyball placed fourth in the poll.

Irvine Valley split its matches in the Orange Coast quad event to start the season last Saturday.

IVC lost to Long Beach City 25-17, 25-22, 17-25, 25-15 and then defeated Santa Monica, 25-15, 23- 25, 28-26, 17-25, 15-7.

Sophomore middle blocker Matt August led the way for the Lasers on the day. He had 21 kills, hit .350 and finished with 19 blocks for IVC in the two matches.

Long Beach City was the overwhelming choice for the No. 1 spot in rankings.

The Vikings received the top vote ranking from all but one coach.

Long Beach City opened the season with a pair of wins in the OCC quad.

The Vikings defeated Irvine Valley behind 16 kills by Steven Rotter, 14 kills by Miller Davis and 38 assists from Melbe Perez.

LBCC then topped Orange Coast, 27-25, 26-24, 25-23. Rotter had nine kills and six blocks to lead the way.

Los Angeles Pierce came in at No. 2 this week. Pierce opened the season last Friday with a 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 victory at Miramar.

Jayson Moore paced the Brahmas with 14 kills. He also hit .478 and Bernardo Roese ran the offense with 34 assists.

With Irvine Valley at fourth and then Fullerton ranked fifth.

Fullerton recently played well in the Long Beach scrimmage event. The Hornets officially open the season on Wednesday night in a good test at No. 2 Pierce.

The rest of the top 10 poll can be viewed below.

CCCMVCA State Poll (Jan. 30)    

Rk           School   Record

1.            Long Beach City               

2.            L.A. Pierce          

3.            Orange Coast    

4.            Irvine Valley      

5.            Fullerton             

6.            El Camino           

7.            Santa Barbara City          

8.            Santa Monica    

9.            Antelope Valley               

10.          Moorpark           

Others receiving votes: Miramar, Grossmont, Golden West

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