The high school volleyball playoff picture is slowly coming into focus, with most local teams at the final stretch of regular season games.
There was plenty of action to go around on Thursday as teams have their eyes on postseason play.
San Marcos 3, Oxnard 0
The Royals came away with a big three-set sweep over the Yellow Jackets, 25-12, 25-15, 25-22.
Kaylin Cooney was the only player for San Marcos to finish in the double-digits for kills with 10. Elena Thomas followed with nine while both Grace Stone and Cora Loomer had eight.
The Royals got plenty of production from the service line as Alina Stapf, Josie Gamberdlla and Charlotte Hastings went on a run of 14 straight serves in the second set.
San Marcos will take on Buena next Tuesday.
Dos Pueblos 3, Rio Mesa 0
The Chargers also picked up a Channel League sweep, taking down Rio Mesa 25-21, 25-17, 25-9.
Jayden Jones turned in a double-double in the win, tallying 11 digs and 10 kills. Joining Jones in the double-digit kills category was Addison Low, who finished with 10 as well.
Halle Rillie spread out the attack, registering 24 assists to go with nine digs, five aces and five kills.
Defensively, Atasha Black led the way with 14 digs while Lia Papador turned in seven.
“We started off a little slow tonight but I’m super proud of the way we turned it around and took care of a must-win match,” Dos Pueblos coach Megan O’Carroll said.
The Chargers are 9-4 in league play.
Santa Barbara 3, Buena 0
The Dons capped off a perfect local night for the local Channel League teams with another sweep, taking down Buena 25-18, 25-17, 25-16.
Nicole Schuetz led the charge on Santa Barbara’s Senior Night with 12 kills. Seniors Emmy Werner and Serena Byrd followed with six kills apiece.
Gwen Chenoweth and Stella Borgioli split the setting duties to the tune of 12 and 10 assists, respectively. Chenoweth added nine digs and five aces while Borgioli had eight digs.
The nine seniors honored for the Dons were Werner, Byrd, Borgioli, Whitney Meister, Tessa de Albegaria, Lucy Fisher, Mackaya Heinemann, Vivian Caesar & Augustine Wooten. All nine were honored and celebrated before the game, and each contributed to the win.
“We were happy to get the sweep tonight and finish strong in three,” Santa Barbara coach Kristin Hempy said. “Our setters Gwen and Stella played committed defense, and we got great serving runs out of Gwen and Nicole, who was also our kill leader.”
The Dons, now 9-4 in league, will take on first-place Ventura on Tuesday.
Cate 3, Laguna Blanca 0
Cate took down Laguna Blanca in a crosstown matchup, 25-23, 25-18, 26-24.
Sophie Otte led Laguna with 10 kills to go along with her five aces and three blocks. Danica Rux also turned in a solid performance, collecting seven kills, four digs and two aces.
“We had our chances tonight, particularly in the first and third games, we just have to learn to finish,” Owls coach Jason Donnelly said. “Our game plan was to set our middles as much as possible and both Sophie Otte and Danica Rux had great nights offensively.
“When we were in system, Ginger Finney did a nice job of getting them the ball in places where they could score points.”
Laguna Blanca will host St. Bonaventure on Tuesday.
Bishop Diego 3, St. Bonaventure 1
The Cardinals came through with a crucial four-set win over the Seraphs, 25-12, 25-12, 18-25, 25-16.
“At a critical juncture of the season, I’m so proud of how our team stepped up under pressure,” Bishop Diego coach Dillan Bennett said. “We’ve struggled in this area all year, and I’m so impressed with how they kept their composure against a very tough opponent.”
Eliana Urzua turned in another elite performance, totaling 37 kills to go along with two blocks and an ace.
Defensively, Sage and Wynter Thorne-Thomsen combined for 17 digs as well as seven kills. At libero, Anna Fittapaldi had 11 digs while also serving two aces.
Vivi Klentner had her hands all over the win, collecting four kills, two blocks and an ace.
“St. Bonaventure is well-coached and always provides a stiff challenge on their home floor,” Bennett said. “Both teams knew where we stood regarding league finish and making the playoffs, and I’m pleased with our efforts tonight.”
The Cardinals (15-12, 5-3 Tri-Valley League) is now in third place in their league and will host Foothill Tech on Tuesday.
Carpinteria 3, Fillmore 1
The Warriors pulled out a four-set win over Fillmore, 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-12.
After finding themselves behind 20-18 in the first set, Carpinteria battled back and got back-to-back kills from Averi Alexander to earn the win.
In the second set, Alexander suffered an injury and was forced to miss the rest of the match. Amarisse Camargo stepped into her position and made her impact felt.
In the fourth set, the Warriors held a 7-4 lead as Camargo stepped to the service line. She then rattled off nine consecutive points to take a commanding lead that Carpinteria never looked back from.
Camargo ended with 10 kills, five digs and 14 service points.
Jenny Valencia had a solid night with 17 assists and eight kills. Defensively, Ashlee Mora had 15 digs.
The Warriors are 11-6 overall and 8-3 in league action.
