VIDEO: Chloe Allen gets a kill from the back row on match point.
In a matchup of defending co-Channel League champions, San Marcos landed the first punch of the season in a 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 sweep of Ventura in the league opener for both teams.
“It’s huge. It sets the tone for us now to go into Channel League,” said Royals head coach Erica Downing.
Not only did the two schools share the league championship last year, but they’re currently ranked in the top 10 of CIF-ss Division 1A. San Marcos is No. 7 and Ventura in No. 8.
“We knew it was going to be a battle. I did not think it was going to go three at all,” Downing said.
Chloe Allen led San Marcos with 19 kills and 44 attempts. Jenna McFarlene’s six kills were second-best on the team followed by four from setter Gabi Peoples.
San Marcos’ next Channel League match is the following Tuesday hosting Santa Barbara.
San Marcos’ Kristine Fimlaid looks for a way to hit around Ventura’s Sammy Slater, left, and Aubrey Knight, right. (John Dvorak/Presidio Sports)
