Opening night was a milestone night for Santa Barbara High boys volleyball coach Chad Arneson.
Arneson recorded his 200th career coaching victory when the Dons swept Royal, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21, in the season opener Monday in Simi Valley.
“It’s pretty special for me,” said Arneson, who has been coaching the boys volleyball program at his alma mater for 10 years. “I feel fortunate to coach at Santa Barbara High. I’ve obviously had good players. It’s nice to give back to my alma mater.”
Arneson watched his Dons overcome 27 errors in the opener. His said he’s breaking in a lot of new varsity players. Nine players graduated from last year’s CIF finalist team.
Tristan Fauntleroy paced Santa Barbara’s attack with 13 kills, while Jasper Rhodes and Quinn Denkensohn added six kills apiece. Newcomer Barron Mainz had a nice debut with four kills and two blocks. Sophomore setter Cord Pereira had 28 assists in his first varsity match. Libero Will Howard picked up 12 digs.
The Dons play their home opener on Wednesday against Santa Ynez.
