In a bright Saturday afternoon at Bishop Diego High School, the girls volleyball Cardinals showcased why they are the league’s top team. Facing off against the Malibu High School Lady Sharks, the Cardinals won in straight sets, 25‑21, 25‑17, 26‑6, extending their unbeaten record in the Tri‑Valley League to 3‑0 and lifting their overall season tally to 9‑3.
Key performances drive the sweep
Senior outside hitter Karina Urzua led the offensive charge with a match‑high 15 kills and added five service aces, a rare combination that set the tone early. Complementing her effort, teammate Natalie Chan contributed 9 kills and 13 digs, anchoring the Cardinals’ defense and keeping the ball in play during crucial rallies.
Malibu’s effort was hampered by a lack of consistency on the serve and a limited offensive output, managing only 12 kills across the three sets. Their defense struggled to contain the Cardinals’ quick attacks, resulting in a decisive third set where Bishop Diego ran away with a 26‑6 victory.
League roundup
Other Tri‑Valley League action continued throughout the day. In Santa Barbara, the Dons defeated Arroyo Grande 28‑26, 25‑19, 25‑23, with Blake Saunders posting 15 kills and Lola Heckman adding 13. The Ventura Chargers fell on the road to Dos Pueblos, losing 21‑25, 14‑25, 20‑25, while the Santa Ynez Royals were swept by San Marcos 17‑25, 23‑25, 19‑25.
Carpinteria’s Warriors secured a sweep over Channel Islands, winning 25‑23, 30‑28, 25‑17, and Villanova Prep’s Owls fell 2‑3 to Laguna Blanca despite a strong showing from Lauren Kenny, who recorded 17 kills and nine digs in the five‑set battle.
What this means for the season
With the Cardinals now undefeated in league play, they have positioned themselves as the team to beat as the regular season progresses toward the playoffs. Their balanced attack—combining powerful hitting, disciplined serving, and reliable back‑row defense—reflects the coaching staff’s emphasis on fundamentals and teamwork.
Coach Mike Ramirez praised his players after the match, noting, “Our girls executed the game plan perfectly today. Karina’s serving gave us early momentum, and the whole team stayed focused through every point.” He added that the team will continue to refine its serve‑receive patterns as they prepare for tougher competition later in the month.
Community support
The match drew a solid crowd of parents, alumni, and local supporters who cheered from the bleachers, underscoring the strong community ties that high‑school athletics foster in Santa Barbara County. Local businesses, including a nearby family‑owned pizza shop, provided refreshments for the fans, reinforcing the tradition of families gathering to support their youth.
As the season moves forward, Bishop Diego’s girls volleyball program aims to maintain its high standards, both on the court and in the classroom, embodying the values of hard work, sportsmanship, and faith that the school community holds dear.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
