A pair of local girls beach volleyball duos finished atop the Tri-Valley League Individual Tournament on Wednesday.
Bishop Diego’s Sophie Otte/Olivia Leflang defeated Laguna Blanca’s Danica Rux/Sage Holcombe in the championship match, giving both duos automatic berths into the CIF-SS Playoffs.
Earlier in the tournament, Rux and Holcombe took down Thacher and St. Bonaventure’s top pairings on their way to the championship.
“Danica Rux’s strong serving and consistent defense, along with Sage Holcombe’s big swings, powered the way for Laguna to earn a berth into CIF,” Laguna Blanca athletics department coordinator Tanner Stevens said.
Oaks Christian 3, Santa Barbara High 2
The Dons dropped a close non-league matchup with Oaks Christian on Wednesday.
“It was a great competitive match and a chance for us to fine-tune some things before CIF playoffs next week,” Santa Barbara High head coach Kristin Hempy said.
The top Dons’ pairing of Keenan Engebretson and Lola Heckman picked up a two-set win at court one, 21-18, 21-17.
“Keenan and Lola were in great form today, executing efficiently,” Hempy said. “Keenan, who recently committed to play beach volleyball at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, was hitting her shots very well. Lola had a particularly strong day at the net.”
The other Santa Barbara High win came courtesy of Madi Priess and Gabby Cajuste at the fours, where they secured a 21-17, 21-14 win.
“Madi and Gabby had a particularly strong serving day today,” Hempy said.