Santa Barbara High swept its three pool-play opponents on the opening day of the Best of the West Tournament in San Diego on Friday.
The Dons beat Buchanan, Eastlake and Servite in two-set sweeps
“It was definitely a great day for our boys, but we all know that Saturday’s matches will be a lot tougher,” said coach Chad Arneson. “We’re in the round of 16 and we play Campolindo at 9 a.m. If we beat Campolindo, we will play Loyola at 11 in the quarterfinals.”
The Dons (6-0) were led by the hitting of Alex Rottman and Andreas Schuetz.
Arneson praised setter Ford Harman for running a smooth offense. Opposite hitter Will Harman, Ford’s brother, “was a force at the net and his tough jump serving caused a lot of problems,” said Arneson,
The Dons also gold solid passing from libero Ryan Slater and good play at the net from middle blockers Mason Rice, Mikey Denver, Boo Ridge and Makaha Baer.
Before heading to San Diego, Santa Barbara swept Santa Ynez in a Channel League opener, 29-27, 25-21, 25-17.
Andrew Tobin, Makaha Baer, Aiden Mullen, Diego Arroyo, Boo Ridge, Quinton Cohen, Austin Jaimes, Liam McCaskey, Kaed Ceasar and Mason Rice all contributed to the win, said coach Arneson.