Dos Pueblos earned a four-set win over San Marcos to round out the crosstown rivalry girls volleyball action this season on Thursday inside Sovine Gym in Goleta.
The Chargers (13-11, 7-0 Pacific View League) shook off a third-set loss to finish off the non-league win over the Royals (3-24, 1-6 Channel League) in four, 25-21, 25-13, 23-25, 25-15. Both teams have one match left in the regular season.
“There’s always something special about a hometown rivalry, especially when so many players compete alongside one another during club season,” Dos Pueblos coach Emily Curry said.
“Familiar faces become opponents, and knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses adds another layer of excitement and competition to the match.”
This year’s fall season has marked the beginning of a brand-new league system, with the Channel League expanding into the 10-team Channel-Pacific View Association. The rebuilding Royals were slotted into the upper-level Channel League, while the Chargers have enjoyed a successful season in the Pacific View League.
The Dos Pueblos setters made a strong impact on Thursday’s match, evenly distributing the offensive attack with Faith Harrison leading with nine kills and both Athena Bardakos and Charlize Welch tallying four kills.
Meanwhile, Charger libero Mia Taylor had one of her best matches of the season with a team-high 17 digs and three aces.
“[Taylor] defensive presence and consistency in serve receive helped give us the opportunities we needed to run our offense,” Curry said.
The Dos Pueblos block made its mark as well, with Harrison recording five blocks of the team’s seven total blocks to go along with her five service aces. Moana Martinez also had a strong match of 11 digs and five aces.
“Our defense and blocking were huge for us tonight. It’s exciting to see everything we’ve been working on start coming together,” Curry said.
“Our team is on such a great trajectory right now. We’re in rhythm right now, our setters are establishing our middles, and our hitters are finding ways to score from all over the court.”
The Chargers will round out their regular season on the road against Del Sol next Tuesday.
