Jackson Kunz chalked up 64 kills and Zach Yinger 54 to lead San Marcos to the championship of the Arcadia Volleyball Tournament on Saturday.
It was the Royals’ first tournament title in coach Roger Kuntz’s four years at the helm.
San Marcos defeated Arcadia in the final, 26-24, 20-25, 15-13. Two days earlier, the Royals lost to Arcadia.
The Royals won the title without outside hitter Johnny Manzo, who suffered a knee injury in a quarterfinal win over Saugus. He had recorded 42 kills, and he was named the tournament’s MVP.
“The guys really rallied without him in the semis and in the finals,” said Kuntz. “I’m so proud of them.”
The Royals defeated Taft in the semifinals, 25-20, 25-20.
In the final, San Marcos fought back from an 11-7 deficit. It scored the winning point when Yinger’s serve dribbled over the tape and fell to the floor.
Kuntz praised the passing of libero Ryan Gilmore and the setting of Neil Holliday.
The six wins in the tournament raises San Marcos’ record to 9-1.
“We’re on a little bit of a nice roll right now,” said Kuntz.
