Dons stunned by Ventura in five games

Santa Barbara volleyball suffered its first loss to Ventura in 10 years on Tuesday, as the Cougars’ Michael Henchy blasted 25 kills in a 17-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 15-7 comeback win in a Channel League match.

“Going into this match we knew we were Channel League champs. We didnt play like that,” said Santa Barbara coach Chad Arneson. “We won the first two games easily, but Ventura knew what was at stake.”

It was an important victory for Ventura, as it’s fighting for second position in league.

The loss drops the Dons to 7-2 in league play while Ventura improves to 4-3 (19-7 overall).

Alex Biedul had 12 kills, while Casey Slaught contributed 6 for the Dons.

Nathan Adair added 10 kills and picked up 10 digs and Dustin Neary was a force at the net with 10 blocks for Ventura.