With the Channel League title there for the taking, Santa Barbara High took care of business on Thursday night.
The Dons hit a blistering .480 as a team and blew past Buena, 25-15, 25-13, 25-18, to wrap up the championship. The win gives them a 6-1 league mark (14-8 overall) and a two-game lead over second-place San Marcos with one match remaining against the Royals next Tuesday.
“It’s a testament to our consistency,” Santa Barbara coach John Gannon said of his players reclaiming the title. “They’re a really consistent team. They really know how to play the game. I trust them and they trust each other.”
Katie Gallivan and Lourda Weger each had nine kills to lead a balanced attack. Tessa Dewell had eight kills and Jessyca Beksa added seven. Setter Lexi Rottman dished out an impressive 43 assists in a three-set match.
“We were just putting the ball down,” Gannon said. “We played great team volleyball. We passed ridiculously, probably the best we’ve passed all season.
“The girls were motivated to take the league title.”
