Santa Barbara High girls volleyball clinched a co-Channel League championship with a sweep of Oxnard High on Thursday night inside J.R. Richards Gym, 25-12, 25-14, 25-22.
The Dons will share the 2026 Channel League title with Ventura High after both teams rounded out league play with a record of 7-1, splitting their two matches.
“I’m so proud of this group of girls, many of whom have been on varsity for two or three years together. This is a great accomplishment,” Santa Barbara High head coach Kristin Hempy said.
“It was Senior Night, so we got to honor our eight seniors, and they all contributed in this win. Overall we played aggressive and smooth, with few errors – a good place to be heading into playoffs soon.”
The senior duo of Blake Saunders and Paylin Marcillac led the charge on their night, with Saunders tallying 19 kills and nine digs and Marcillac ending with 22 digs and four aces.
“Blake was on fire tonight, hitting with the strength she’s led us with all season and putting definitive ends to rallies,” Hempy said. “Paylin served so tough for us tonight. It was a huge advantage every time she stepped back to the line.”
Fellow senior Lola Heckman recorded nine kills in the win, while Jules Horton put up 32 assists and eight digs.
The Dons (23-10, 7-1 Channel League) will learn their CIF-SS playoff division and first-round match on Friday, Oct. 16.
Bishop Diego 3, Cate 1
The Cardinals capped off the regular season with a four-set win over their rival Rams on Thursday in Carpinteria, 25-16, 23-25, 25-15, 25-19.
Bishop Diego (15-7, 8-4 Tri-Valley League) will now await its CIF-SS playoff draw next weekend after a third-place finish in league.
Karina Urzua had another big night for the Cardinals with 24 kills, 20 digs and three aces, while Natalie Chan recorded a double-double of 12 kills and 12 digs. Ella Fuentes chipped in six kills and two blocks.
“It was nice to close the regular season out with a win. Cate was much improved, and we battled with them,” Bishop Diego head coach Dillan Bennett said.
“Ella had a great match tonight, and everyone else worked hard in a loud environment. Happy to go out on a high note, and we’re looking forward to learning about our playoff draw.”
Laguna Blanca 3, Malibu 0
The Owls rolled to a Senior Night sweep of Malibu in Thursday’s regular-season finale in Santa Barbara, 25-16, 25-16, 25-16.
“We had a great night celebrating our four seniors: Lolayna Redmond, Hadleigh Bolton, Violet Archibald and Eva Gershman,” Laguna Blanca head coach Tanner Stevens said. “It’s nice to end the regular season on a high note and now we’ll get to work and get ready for the playoffs.”
Lauren Kenny once again paced the Owls with a strong all-around performance of 12 kills and six digs, while Maritt Blabey and Bolton contributed eight and seven kills, respectively.
Laguna Blanca will learn its CIF-SS playoff information next weekend.
