GVB: Dons sweep Buena, tie for league title

Santa Barbara took care of business Tuesday at Buena in the Channel League girls volleyball finale, sweeping the Bulldogs 25-18, 25-18, 25-16.

Later that evening, the Dons learned they earned a share of the league title as Ventura knocked off San Marcos in five sets. All three teams finish with 5-3 records.

“We couldn’t be happier that we were able to end upas co-league champs with Ventura and San Marcos,” said Santa Barbara coach John Gannon. “It’s a testament of the resilience of our girls battling through the ups and downs of the season and coming out with a co-league championship.

The Dons had a balanced attack, led by Lourda Weger’s eight kills. Jackie Starnes had six kills and Jessyca Beksa adde five. Paige Mascari and Lexi Rottman shared the setting duties. Santa Barbara served tough, with Weger notching four aces and Beksa three.

“I’m really happ with how the girls performed against Buena; it was a solid match,” Gannon said. “Overall, we’re looking forward to heading into the playoffs and seeing how fqar we can make it. We’ll see how things go.”

Santa Barbara finishes the regular season with a 17-12 record. The Dons will enter the CIF Division 1A playoffs as the league’s No. 3 entry after coin-flips on Tuesday. San Marcos will be the No. 1 representative and Ventura No. 2.

The playoff pairings come out Friday.