With a rash of injuries hitting his team, Santa Barbara boys volleyball coach Chad Arneson is looking to his bench players to step up.
Arneson got big performances from a few of those players Tuesday night in the Dons’ 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 sweep at Buena in their Channel League opener.
Channing Peake and Hunter Myers played well in the middle and backup setter Ryan Worley filled in nicely for the injured Gavin Trudeau.
In a readjusted lineup, Peake and Myers handled the middle while Holden Ploch was moved to an outside hitting position. Peake finished with five kills and two blocks and Myers added two kills and a couple of blocks.
“The played well for us,” Arneson said of his middles. “Channing gave us a lot of energy.”
As for Worley, Areneson said he has complete confidence in the sophomore running the show in place of Trudeau, who will be sidelined at least five weeks with a broken wrist.
“Ryan is a great athlete. He’s definitely capable of running the offense. It’s definitely a plus for us.”
Ryan’s older brother, Tyler, was a middle and outside hitter for the Dons a couple of years ago.
Ryan Worley dished out 30 assists against Buena.
“I’m grateful to able to have depth. I have a lot confidence in our reserve players,” said Arneson.
Alex Biedul led the Dons’ attack with 13 kills and four digs, while Ploch added 11 kills.
Santa Barbara (7-4) plays San Marcos on Thursday.
