Sparked by the play of first-time starter Erika Foreman, Santa Barbara High played some inspired volleyball and pushed Channel League co-leader Ventura to five sets.
The host Cougars managed to hold off the Dons, 21-25, 25-18, 25-18, 22-25, 15-13, to remain tied for the league lead with San Marcos at 6-1. Santa Barbara (14-12) finished league play in third place at 4-4.
Foreman added more punch to the Dons’ offense, blasting a career-best 13 kills in her first start. Jessyca Beksa was strong at the net, recording five blocks and libero Megan Seabury led the defense with 24 digs.
Sammy Slater had 24 kills and Aubrey Knight had 14 to lead Ventura (24-2).
After playing back-to-back matches against the top two teams in the league, the Dons get a day off before entering their Tournament of Champions, playing against some of the top teams in the state. They’ll open tourney play Friday against Great Oak, the No. 1 team in Division 1AA of the CIF-Southern Section.
