Santa Barbara High and Dos Pueblos completed pool play at the Best of the West Tournament on Friday in San Diego, with the Dons winning two matches to advance to Saturday’s Gold Division bracket.
Santa Barbara won two of three matches and almost took all three but for a 18-25, 25-21, 15-12 loss to Santa Margarita.
Dons head coach Chad Arneson credited several players with his team’s good results, notably starting libero Carl Mendoza.
“He helps us out in the back row with great hustle plays,” Arneson said. “I was really proud of his performance.”
Gavin Trudeau and Casey Slaught were also big-time factors for the Dons.
The Chargers lost all three matches in pool play to tough competition. Dos Pueblos played in a group including the Southern Section’s top team in Mira Costa, Westview, and Long Beach Poly.
For complete Best of the West results, CLICK HERE
The Dons will be matched up with Loyola in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
“We’re up for the challenge, we just can’t back down,” Arneson said. “It’s what (this tournament is) all about.”
