Santa Barbara High fell to Newbury Park on Tuesday in a non-league match 25-16, 24-26, 25-23, 25-16.
The Panthers are the No. 6-ranked team in Division 1. It was Newbury Park’s first match with high-profile transfer Ryne Benson.
“They’re going to be a tough team to beat in division 1 for sure,” said Dons head coach Chad Arneson.
Arneson said he got several good performances from his guys: Grant Galitzer and Cooper Johnson in the middle, Barron Mainz in the back row, and Jasper Rhodes and Kyle Skinner on the edges. Rhodes’ 11 kills were a team high.
The Dons showed some fight in the fourth set, battling back from a 10-1 deficit to almost win the game.
The Dons travel to San Diego for the Best of the West Tournament on Friday and Saturday. Santa Barbara opens up against Granite Bay and will also face San Clemente and Torrey Pines in group play.
