Setter Maddox Denver made it fun night for the Santa Barbara High hitters in a four-set Channel League boys volleyball win over Dos Pueblos on Thursday at J.R. Richards Gym.
Denver dished out 44 assists, and three hitters produced double figures in kills as the Dons prevailed 25-21, 25-15, 20-25, 25-14.
Costner led the way with 20 kills (on a .415 hitting percentage) and picked up 10 digs for a double-double. Kristian Dybdahl, hitting from the right side, also posted double figures in kills and digs with 15 and 10, respectively, and outside hitter Jasper Bell put down 12 kills, hit .526 and collected eight digs.
“I thought the team played great tonight,” said Costner. “We really worked as a team. I thought we put balls down really well and we played defense.”
He credited Denver for getting everyone involved.
“I think Maddy did a really good job spreading out hitters tonight and all the boys did really good swinging and putting the ball down,” said Costner.
“We were able to mix it up,” said Santa Barbara coach Chad Arneson.
The Dons lost some steam in the third set and Dos Pueblos took full advantage. Outside hitter Ben Wojogbe beat Santa Barbara blockers for three kills in the set and middle Cyrus Jay caught fire with a pair of blocks and three kills, helping the Chargers open up a 22-15 lead.
Owen Ribbens got DP off to a good start in the fourth set with a couple of kills and Evan Daugherty ripped a ball down the line, but Santa Barbara stepped up its play. The Dons took the lead at 13-12 and pulled away. They went on a 6-0 run, with Bell hammering two kills, including one off a long set from Beck Young to end a rally.
Also contributing in the fourth set was JV call-up Hollister Puentes, who notched a couple of blocks for points. Libero Jackson McDermott had a good match with 11 digs.
While pleased with the win, Arneson said, “Sometimes we make it a little harder than we should. Things are going to be hard but we made it a little more difficult, but I’m proud of our boys.
“You gotta give (DP coach Ehren) Hug credit,” he added. “He always has those kids fighting hard; they responded well in game three. They made us earn it.”
Dos Pueblos was led by Wojogbe with seven kills, two service aces and a block. Middles Jay and Caleb Damron each had six kills and Jay led the team with four blocks; Ribbens contributed five kills. Libero Lorenzo Dematteo kept rallies alive with his defense, picking up 17 digs.
Santa Barbara goes into spring break with an overall record of 13-4 and 6-1 in the Channel League. DP is 11-7 and 4-3 at the break.