Santa Barbara rebounded from a semifinal loss and won the third-place match at the Archbishop Mitty volleyball tournament on Saturday.
The Dons were swept by a strong La Jolla Country Day team, 25-18, 25-11, 25-10, in the semifinals.
“They’re a top-20 team in the nation,” said Dons assistant coach Lee Carlander. “They were a really solid team. But we came to play in the third-place match.”
Eve Ettinger powered Santa Barbara to a 18-25, 25-16, 25-21, 25-17 win over Redondo to finish third. The USC-bound outside hitter blasted 21 kills and picked up 10 digs in the victory.
The Dons finished 3-1 and one place better than their seeding at the tournament.
“We always seem to put it together when we come up here,” said Carlander.
Dani Rottman and Holland Crenshaw gave the Dons a big boost with their play at the net.
“Holland provides a nice balance for us,” Carlander said. “She made a difference for us blocking other teams’ outside hitter.
“Dani had a nice match against Redondo,” he added. “Our outsides, we rely on them heavy.”
Santa Barbara also got a good performance from setter Kira Schleich.
“She’s coming along,” said Carlander.
The Dons (6-2) return to action Tuesday at home against Oxnard.
