Laguna Blanca captured the championship of its boys volleyball tournament on Saturday.
“Today was a great rebound day for our squad after losing a close one to Arrowhead Christian on Friday night,” Laguna Blanca coach Dillan Bennett said. Arrowhead Christian is the No. 2 team in Division 5 and Laguna is No. 3.
“All of our guys contributed in a big way today, but the most important key that we are pushing is energy,” Bennett continued. “Energy is contagious, and when we are energetic and having fun, our team is very successful.”
Chris Costantino and Philip Fauntleroy led the Laguna attack with 28 kills each on the day. Jack Copeland had 25 kills and Ryan Bickett added 14 with 37 digs and six service aces. Pierce O’Donnell paced the defense with 73 digs.
Laguna Blanca defeated Viewpoint in the final. Viewpoint beat the Owls in a five-set match earlier in the season.
“Our team has gotten much better and we are jelling quite well right now,” said Bennett. “The best news is we are still getting better in every facet of the game, which is all you can ask for going into the closing stretch of a season.
Mission Prep and Oakwood tied for third and Channel Islands and Nordhoff shared fifth in the 14-team tournament. Carpinteria placed seventh and Bishop Diego eighth.
Bennett cited the team’s passing as a key to its success. “I still think we are one of the best serve receive teams in our division, and probably in our area,” he said. “Pierce, Ethan (Katnic), and Ryan passed a collective 2.6 for the entire tournament and contributed greatly on defense.”
Laguna Blanca is 9-5 overall. The Owls host Bishop Diego on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
