Chargers sweep to open playoffs

Dos Pueblos withstood a late rally in game three and swept Foothill 25-21, 25-21, 28-26 in the first round of CIF’s Division 1 playoff on Tuesday.

“The guys played great,” said Chargers head coach Chris Hughes. “Everyone played great.”

Dos Pueblos led for much of the third game but Foothill came back to earn a set point. The Chargers turned it around at the last minute to seal the win.

“It’s hard to win on the road, especially in CIF. I’m proud of the guys,” Hughes said.

Gabe Burdick’s 14 kills and Mansai Conner’s 13 led a balanced attack that also saw Kevin Pappas contribute 10 kills, Preston Bies six and Jackson Wopat five.

Keaton Arutian passed well, leading the team in assists while collecting five digs.

“We were just playing good defense and getting key kills from guys in key situations,” explained Hughes.

The Chargers play in the second round on Thursday in a home match against fourth-seeded Servite.