Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Dons continued their historic run in the CIF State Girls Volleyball tournament on Tuesday, defeating Villa Park 3-1 (25-20, 25-15, 22-25, 25-15) in the first round of Division 3. Senior Blake Saunders led the charge with a team‑high 20 kills, while junior Kira Elliott added 12 kills, propelling Santa Barbara to its first state‑playoff victory since 2006.
Game Summary
The Dons opened the match with a strong offensive showing, taking the first two sets comfortably. Saunders’ powerful attacks and Elliott’s consistent hitting set the tone early, allowing Santa Barbara to build a 10‑5 lead in the first set and never look back. Villa Park rallied in the third set, capturing it 25-22, but the Dons responded with renewed focus, closing out the fourth set 25-15 to seal the win.
Key Performers
Beyond Saunders and Elliott, the Dons benefited from solid defensive work and service pressure. The team’s setters distributed the ball effectively, creating multiple hitting options and keeping Villa Park off balance. The libero and defensive specialists contributed crucial digs and passes that helped sustain rallies.
Looking Ahead
With the victory, Santa Barbara earns a quarterfinal matchup against the ninth‑seeded Steele Canyon of San Diego, scheduled for Thursday at the Dons’ home court. The upcoming game will test the team’s depth and resilience as they aim to continue the momentum built over the past two decades.
Historical Context
This win ends a 20‑year drought for the Dons in the state playoffs, a milestone that has energized the program, its coaches, and the local community. Fans gathered at the gym to cheer the team, reflecting the strong support for youth athletics in Santa Barbara.
Other Division Results
In other Division 3 first‑round action, the tenth‑seeded Westridge defeated seventh‑seeded Atascadero 3-2. Division 1 saw the seventh‑seeded San Luis Obispo Tigers edge tenth‑seeded Orange Lutheran 3-2 and will host the fifteenth‑seeded Bishop’s in the quarterfinals. Division 2 featured several upsets, including the sixteenth‑seeded Mission Prep Royals beating top‑seeded Centennial 3-2 and advancing to face eighth‑seeded Liberty in Bakersfield.
Community Impact
The Dons’ success underscores the importance of high school sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and community pride. Local businesses and families have rallied behind the team, providing encouragement and resources that help sustain a competitive program.
As the Dons prepare for Thursday’s quarterfinal, the focus remains on execution, teamwork, and representing Santa Barbara with the same determination that sparked this historic win.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
