Bishop Diego boys volleyball remained undefeated in Tri-Valley League play with a four-set win over crosstown rival Laguna Blanca on Tuesday in Hope Ranch.
The Cardinals came close to completing the sweep, but the Owls battled to a win in set three to send it to a fourth. Bishop Diego regained control in the fourth and pulled out the win, 25-17, 25-16, 25-27, 25-17.
“Laguna is much improved since the first time we played them earlier this year, and once they got going, they gave us a great match,” Bishop Diego head coach Dillan Bennett said. “We had a hard time handling their serves the whole night, which didn’t help our offensive efficiency.
“Defensively, we were sluggish, and our transition offense was something we’ll need to address tomorrow.”
John Michael Flint once again led the way for the Cardinals with 15 kills, eight digs and two blocks. Meanwhile, Luke Walters was all over the court with 26 assists, three kills, two blocks and an ace.
The Bishop Diego trio of Nico DeRosa, Tyler Roberts and Kingston Bustos shined from the service line and combined for nine aces, while Tua Rojas tallied five kills on nine swings.
“I thought Tyler Roberts served well and took some good swings,” Bennett said. “He also made a couple of key block touches at the net that led to easy defensive plays in the back court. We’ve been working on our blocking a lot, so it was nice to see that translate into a match.
“Tua Rojas was a nice addition to our offense tonight, as well, being active in the middle and keeping the opposing blockers honest. Luke Walters is still getting used to the new wrinkles in our offense, which we’ll have plenty of opportunity to iron out this weekend at the Del Sol Tournament. More importantly, his serving is starting to become a weapon, which we will need in the coming weeks.”
As for the Owls, Soren Alldredge tallied 12 kills and three blocks, while Lawler Jackson ended with eight kills and five digs. Baylor Wilson was also efficient from the service line and ran the offense.
“We competed tonight and did a good job of getting Bishop out of system at times with tough serving,” Lagun Blanca assistant coach Tanner Stevens said. ‘Teddy Wilson adapted and played multiple positions at a high level and has grown so much as an all-around player.”
The Cardinals (20-5, 9-0 Tri-Valley League) will compete in the Del Sol Invitational this weekend.
Carpinteria High 3, Channel Islands 1
The Warriors went down to Oxnard and came away with a four-set win over the Raiders on Tuesday, 25-18, 18-25, 25-22, 25-15.
“It was a loud gym and a competitive match throughout,” Carpinteria High head coach Favian Muralles said. “Channel Islands has improved since the last time we played them, and it showed in the second set. Still, our boys responded well, played hard, and kept the energy up the entire match.
“Individual performances were spread across the board, which really showed our setters’ ability to move the ball and get everyone involved.”
Rafael Cintura recorded a double-double of 34 digs and 10 kills, while Alariuziel Rodriguez contributed on both ends as well with 31 digs and seven kills.
Jesus Reyes had a team-high 11 kills, Alan Maya tallied seven and Cole Rowbottom chipped in six of his own.
Carpinteria High (10-5, 6-2 Citrus Coast League) will host Nordhoff on Thursday.
Santa Barbara High 3, Ventura High 2
The Dons pulled out a five-set battle with the Cougars on Tuesday in Ventura, 15-25, 25-14, 25-11, 23-25, 15-10.
Kristian Dybdahl paced the Dons’ strong offensive effort with 19 kills, while Hayes Costner ended the night with 12 of his own.
Maddox Denver helped facilitate that offensive attack and collected 44 assists for Santa Barbara High.
The Dons will head out to Goleta to take on Dos Pueblos on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.