Ben Hauschild, left, and Jake Castanha combine to block a ball during the Dos Pueblos Invitational.
San Marcos advanced to the quarterfinals of the Dos Pueblos Invitational and was knocked out by Laguna Beach, 25-19, 25-13, on Saturday at UCSB’s Events Center.
The Royals went 6-2 in pool play, sweeping Agoura, St. Margaret’s and Templeton before falling in two close sets against Laguna Beach, 29-27, 25-20. In their first playoff match, they outlasted Alemany, 26-24, 23-25, 17-15.
“We battled with Laguna Beach early on … but after a tough 3 games against Alemany, we didn’t have the juice to compete with Laguna Beach again,” San Marcos coach Jon Newton said of the quarterfinal loss. “I’m extremely proud of the way the guys played.”
Connor Everman led the team with 42 kills on the day.
Newton also praised the passing and defense of libero Sean Estabrooks and middle attackers Ian McLain and Jake Castanha.
The Royals open Channel League play Tuesday against Santa Barbara.
