Six-foot-one middle blocker Grace Conner celebrated her 17th birthday by leading San Marcos to what has arguably been its most important win of the season thus far.
Conner had eight kills with no errors and racked up nine blocks in the Royals’ 25-18, 25-21, 25-22 victory at Buena, a key win in the race for the third and final playoff spot in the Channel League.
With powerhouses Santa Barbara and Dos Pueblos in the league, the race for third is crucial.
Kristin Schroeder also went error-less en route to five kills, and Emma Campbell shoveled up 14 digs. Setter Kristen Kuntz ran an efficient offense with 25 assists.
The Royals (9-6, 3-2) play a non-league match at undefeated Santa Ynez on Thursday.
