San Marcos girls beach volleyball clinched a Channel League title with a 5-0 sweep of rival Dos Pueblos on Thursday at the Twin Palms Beach Volleyball Complex.
The Royals are now an impressive 18-2 on the season and 10-0 against league opponents.
The No. 1 pairing of Josie Gamberdella and Cora Loomer cruised to a 21-13, 21-12 victory to kick off the scoring.
“One of the top prep duos in the region, Josie and Cora delivered a masterful performance,” San Marcos assistant coach Jared Godinez said.
“Cora dominated at the net, making life difficult for Chargers attackers, while Josie displayed her athleticism and exceptional shot selection.”
Meanwhile, Sam Fallon and Evyn Miller put together a dominant performance on court two with a 21-2, 21-8 win.
“Sam and Evyn set the tone early with a stifling defense, as Sam’s blocks neutralized the Chargers’ attack,” Godinez said. “Behind her, Evyn’s relentless defensive hustle and smart transition play led to a quick 21-2 first set.
“The pair kept up the momentum, mixing power and finesse to secure the win.”
Charlotte Hastings and Paige Hoadley continued San Marcos’ winning ways with a two-set win at the threes, 21-4, 21-10.
“Char and Paige impressed with strong serving and consistent passing, setting up their offense for aggressive attacks,” Godinez said. “Char’s powerful armswing thrilled fans, while Paige’s steady defense and sharp shot placement sealed their victory.”
At court four, Lila Westmacott and Isla McClintock earned a two-set victory of their own, 21-14, 21-11.
“In a competitive opening, Lila and Isla pulled ahead with exceptional net play and smart strategy,” Godinez said. “Lila’s aggressive attacks, paired with Isla’s stellar setting and defensive reads, kept the Chargers off balance throughout the match.”
The No. 5 duo of Reese Paskin and Kelsey Rowe pulled out a win to round out the San Marcos sweep, 22-20, 22-20.
“Reese and Kelsey battled through a tightly contested match, showcasing grit and composure under pressure,” Godinez said. “Reese’s dynamic left-handed attack and Kelsey’s all-around skills helped the duo come from behind in both sets to clinch a hard-fought win.”
Santa Barbara High 5, Oxnard 0
The Dons swept the Yellow Jackets in a Channel League match on Thursday in Oxnard.
“Overall a strong serving and offensive day for us,” Santa Barbara High head coach Kristin Hempy said.
At the top matchup, Keenan Engebretson and Lola Heckman picked up a two-set win 21-9, 21-11.
“These two had great play at the net, strong swings and smart shots to lead the way,” Hempy said. “Keenan and Lola are always so calm, collected and controlled and they kept that up today.”
Paylin Marcillac and Kira Elliot captured the win at the No. 2 battle, 21-17, 21-12. Meanwhile, Blake Saunder and Stella Peus pulled out the win at court three, 21-13, 21-9.
The No. 4 duo of Madi Priess and Gabby Cajuste came out on top in a three-set battle, 23-21, 20-22, 15-5.
The pairing of Grace Costner and Jaqueline Durling won their matchup to cap off the scoring, 21-14, 21-15.
Santa Barbara High will host San Marcos on Monday at 3 p.m. at East Beach. The Dons will celebrate their six seniors in a pregame ceremony.
Providence 3, Thacher 0
The Patriots celebrated Senior Night with a sweep of Thacher on Thursday at East Beach.
The Providence senior pairing of Daniella Terry and Sabine Zermeno pulled out a three-set win, 16-21, 21-14, 15-10.
“Such a fun day playing some beach volleyball on Senior Night,” Patriots head coach Taylor Slover said. “The seniors came out with a rough start but showed some true grit and were able to come back in three.
“It was very exciting to watch them battle back and finish so strong. They’ve shown such great leadership all season and to showcase it on senior night was really special and fitting.”
At the twos, Rosie Murren-Doherty and Lydia Linton earned a two-set victory, 21-5, 21-15.
Kiera Retizin and Kylie Hulme finished off the sweep with a two-set win of their own at court three, 21-8, 21-7.
Providence will take on Dunn on Tuesday at East Beach.