San Marcos girls beach volleyball completed the season sweep of rival Santa Barbara High with a 5-0 victory on Tuesday at Ridgway Courts.
The Royals are now 14-1 on the season and a perfect 7-0 in Channel League play, while the Dons are 9-5 and 4-2 in league action.
“San Marcos is always very well-coached, poised, and a team with deep talent across all five pairs,” Santa Barbara High head coach Kristin Hempy said. “We had hoped to have a few more matches go to three and make things closer, but unfortunately, we came out a little flat on our end and struggled with unforced errors.”
At the No. 1 matchup, San Marcos’ Cora Loomer and Evyn Miller came out on top over Lola Heckman and Kira Elliott, 21-16, 21-16. Both sets were close in the early stages, but the Royals pulled away late.
“Miller’s offense and setting were particularly on-point today while Loomer smartly mixed blocking and pull defense to exert pressure on the SB attack,” San Marcos head coach Tim Loomer said.
“Kira did a nice job reading the SM defense and setting up Lola, who had some great cut shots and blocks at the net,” Hempy said. “Hopefully this ones matchup will get another chance to meet at the Individual Pairs Tourney at the end of the season.”
On court two, Reese Paskin and Alina Stapf pulled out a two-set victory over Blake Saunders and Paylin Marcillac, 21-17, 21-18.
“Today [Paskin and Stapf] showed poise, closing out close games at the end,” Tim Loomer said.
Paige Hoadley and Charlotte Hastings continued the San Marcos success at the threes with a 21-10, 21-12 win over Jacqueline Durling and Stella Peus.
“Hoadley and Hastings clicked today. Both displayed good offense, solid defense, and quality ball control. When playing like this, they are a tough pair for anyone to beat,” Tim Loomer said.
The No. 4 San Marcos duo of Jeannie Johnson and Kelsey Rowe dominated their matchup with Grace Costner and Talia Yoshimi to the tune of a 21-3, 21-9 victory.
“Throughout both games, Johnson and Rowe kept the game in front of them and transitioned smoothly to their attacks. The result was a high-quality, juggernaut-style performance,” Tim Loomer said.
Lila Westmacott and Isla McClintock rounded out the San Marcos sweep with a 21-5, 21-17 win over Gabby Cajuste and Phoebe Peterson.
“McClintock has great defensive vision and is quick to track down attacks. Westmacott serve was on today, forcing the SB pair to work their offense from off the net,” Tim Loomer said.
Ventura 5, Dos Pueblos 0
The Chargers suffered a sweeping loss at the hands of the Cougars on Tuesday in Ventura.
The Dos Pueblos No. 2 duo of Ruby Dunlop and Gia Haas was the lone team to send its opponents to three sets, falling 22-20, 17-21, 8-15.
“Ruby and Gia played some of their best volleyball of the season and were able to compete with a strong twos team,” Dos Pueblos head coach Nate Holmes said.
The Chargers are now 5-8 overall and 3-4 against Channel League opponents.