Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Dons’ remarkable season concluded on Thursday with a 3‑1 defeat to Helix in the CIF‑State Division 3 regional semifinal. The Dons, who entered the match as Channel League champions and CIF‑Southern Section semifinalists, fought hard but ultimately fell in four sets (25‑21, 23‑25, 20‑25, 22‑25).

Key performances

Senior outside hitter Blake Saunders led Santa Barbara’s offense, recording 19 kills and adding 11 digs. Despite Saunders’ effort, Helix’s balanced attack proved too much, allowing the team to close out the match in the fourth set.

Other regional semifinals

Across the state, the CIF‑State playoffs featured several notable outcomes:

• Division 1: Coronado defeated San Luis Obispo 3‑0 (20‑25, 17‑25, 14‑25), ending the Tigers’ 37‑7 campaign.
• Division 2: Santa Fe Christian overcame Mission Prep 3‑1 (18‑25, 25‑19, 14‑25, 15‑25), while Newbury Park edged San Marcos (SD) 3‑2 (25‑16, 25‑22, 20‑25, 23‑25, 15‑11) to advance to the regional final.
• Division 5: North (Bakersfield) fell to Rio Mesa 3‑2, ending the Spartans’ 18‑17 season.

What this means for Santa Barbara

The Dons finish the year with a 28‑12 record, a testament to the program’s consistency and the dedication of its coaches, players, and supporting families. Their run included a league title, a deep run in the Southern Section playoffs, and a berth in the state regional semifinals – achievements that reflect the strong community support for high‑school athletics in Santa Barbara.

Looking ahead, the Dons will regroup during the offseason, focusing on player development and recruitment to build on the foundation laid this year. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of maintaining academic standards and fostering a family‑oriented environment, aligning with the values of the local community.

Upcoming events

Newbury Park’s victory sets up a regional final against Santa Fe Christian on Tuesday, promising another exciting matchup for CIF‑State fans. Meanwhile, local supporters are encouraged to attend upcoming high‑school games and celebrate the achievements of their student‑athletes.

For parents, alumni, and community members, the Dons’ season serves as a reminder of the role sports play in teaching teamwork, perseverance, and character – virtues that extend beyond the court and into everyday life.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.