Santa Barbara needed five sets to top visiting Valencia on Tuesday, recording a 23-25, 25-16, 19-25, 25-17, 15-9 non-league decision.
“It was a win, it wasn’t pretty, but we definitely finished strong at the end,” explained Dons head coach Chad Arneson.
Holden Ploch recorded totals of 18 kills, two blocks and nine digs. Setter Gavin Trudeau handed out 49 assists.
Ryan Worley and Carl Mendoza were strengths on defense for Santa Barbara, collecting 12 and 18 digs, respectively. Quinlan Dougherty played opposite in the fourth and fifth games and came through with two aces and four kills.
The Dons have a Channel League bye on Thursday when the other teams open league play, but will play in Saturday’s Dos Pueblos Invitational at UCSB.
