Santa Barbara High gave top-seeded Aliso Niguel a battle before falling in four sets on the road Thursday in the second round of the CIF Division 1A girls volleyball playoffs. The scores were 19-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-19.
“We were up 19-15 in the second set and had a chance to really put pressure on the other team,” Santa Barbara coach John Gannon said. “But they went on a run and responded. We were right there but couldn’t get over the hump against the No. 1 seed.”
Outside hitters Jessyca Beksa and Lourda Weger each had 13 kills to pace the Santa Barbara attack. Jackie Starnes added nine kills and middle Caroline Anderson contributed seven kills. Setter Lexi Rottman handed out 45 assists and libero Dane Miller picked up 19 digs.
“It was a tough match and a tough environment, but when you go on the road you have to bring it,” Gannon said. “We battled and we walked out with our heads held high.”
