Bishop Diego girls volleyball went on the road and earned a four-set win over Villanova Prep on Thursday in Ojai, 25-23, 25-23, 16-25, 25-21.
“As we hit the second round of league play, we’re really trying to maximize our strengths,” Cardinals head coach Dillan Bennett said. “Our serving and defense have been our anchors this year, and we’re trying to refine those as best we can heading into the postseason.
Natalie Chan’s 15 kills were good for the Bishop lead, while she also chipped in five digs. Sophie Otte had a strong all-around match with 14 kills and 14 digs, while Abbie Hubbs picked up 11 digs and five aces.
“Sophie’s back-court play has improved so much,” Bennett said. “This time last year, she hadn’t been a primary passer or defender; now she’s leading our team in digs. It’s a pretty big testament to the work she’s put in this year.
“Abbie Hubbs also did a nice job playing defense around our block tonight. Her serve continues to score a lot of points for us.”
The Cardinals (15-10, 5-1 Tri-Valley League) will host St. Bonaventure on Tuesday at 6 p.m. inside the Brick House.
Santa Barbara High 3, Oxnard 0
The Dons controlled the match en route to a sweep of a scrappy Yellow Jacket squad, 25-21, 26-24, 25-11.
“We had to execute against some solid Oxnard defense, and overall did a nice job finishing when we got close to 25 in these sets,” Santa Barbara High head coach Kristin Hempy said.
Lola Heckman turned in a solid night on the outside for the Dons with a team-high 11 kills, while Blake Saunders filled up the stat sheet with eight kills, seven aces and five digs.
Meanwhile, Jules Horton facilitated the offense with 22 assists and Stella Peus registered a double-double with 13 digs and 11 assists.
“Lola had a strong offensive night for us, and Stella was able to come in and be effective with her setting and defense. Blake was dominant from the serving line,” Hempy said.
The Dons, now 8-3 in league action, will be on the road against crosstown rival San Marcos on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
San Marcos 3, Rio Mesa 0
The Royals continued their undefeated run through Channel League play with a sweep of the Spartans on Thursday, 25-11, 25-13, 25-16.
The opposite hitting duo of Reese Paskin and Gracie Stone had strong nights with eight and six kills, respectively.
Meanwhile, Cora Loomer led San Marcos’ offense with nine kills and Alina Stapf picked up eight digs.
The Royals will compete in the Redondo Union Tournament beginning on Friday, including a match against Sierra Canyon, the No. 2 team in California.
“It’s going to be a great tournament for us to face some great competition, so we’re excited about that,” San Marcos head coach Erica Downing said.
Cate 3, Grace 0
The Rams got out to a blazing start and never looked back en route to a sweep of Grace on Thursday, 25-5, 25-12, 25-18
“Our offense was firing on all cylinders tonight, with multiple players having five-plus kills,” Cate head coach Jordon Dyer said. “We scored in transition and took care of the ball in serve receive. Overall, it was a great game.”
The Rams will be on the road against Thacher on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Ventura 3, Dos Pueblos 0
The Chargers suffered a sweep at the hands of the Cougars on Thursday in Ventura, 11-25, 9-25, 11-25.
Addison Low paced the Dos Pueblos offense with five kills to go along with five digs, while Abby Pfarr, Athena Bardakos, Charlize Welch, Faith Harrison and Maggie Squires each ended with two kills.
Sammy Anderson totaled 12 assists and three digs, while Tanner Love led the team with 12 digs.
The Chargers are now 4-7 against Channel League opponents.