Dons gain momentum going in to big tournament

Santa Barbara built some confidence before the Best of the West Tournament this weekend by sweeping Royal 25-20, 25-16, 25-15 in a non-league boys volleyball match Wednesday night.

“We needed that,” said Dons coach Chad Arneson, whose team was coming off a loss against Mira Costa.

The Dons got a big match from setter Gavin Trudeau. He had 36 assists, six kills and four blocks. Casey Slaught played well with nine kills and two blocks.

“I got to play the whole team, and it was a fun match for everyone,” said Arneson.

Santa Barbara will open pool play on Friday at the Best of the West Tournament in Poway against Crespi. It’ll also play Poway and a team from Las Vegas.