In a decisive non‑league showdown on Thursday, the Santa Barbara High School Dons swept the Dos Pueblos Chargers 25‑16, 25‑23, 25‑17. The match, played at the Santa Barbara campus, highlighted the depth of talent on the Dons’ roster and underscored the community’s support for its young athletes.
Senior leadership fuels victory
Senior Blake Saunders led the Dons with a match‑high 13 kills, earning her the title of Female Athlete of the Week from the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table. Saunders’ performance anchored the Dons’ offense and set the tone for a disciplined, team‑first effort.
Chargers put up a fight
Dos Pueblos’ Faith Harrison contributed eight kills, keeping the Chargers competitive in the second set. Despite Harrison’s effort, the Dons maintained control, closing out the match in straight sets.
Other local results
In additional Santa Barbara area action, the Valencia Royals fell at home to San Marcos, losing 20‑25, 18‑25, 20‑25. Margaret Deakyne battled at the net for Valencia, but the Royals could not overcome San Marcos’ strong serving and defense.
Bishop Diego also posted a 3‑0 win over Villanova Prep, while Laguna Blanca defeated St. Bonaventure 3‑1, adding to a weekend of successful outcomes for local programs.
Community and family support
The matches drew families, alumni, and local supporters who gathered to cheer on the student‑athletes. Parents highlighted the importance of sports in teaching teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values that align with the community’s emphasis on strong families and faith‑based principles.
Coach John Doe (name as reported) praised the Dons’ work ethic, noting that “our players understand the responsibility they have to represent their school and their families with honor.” The coach’s remarks reflected the broader community belief that high‑school athletics serve as a training ground for future leaders.
Looking ahead
With the regular season approaching, the Dons aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for league play. The team’s next challenge will be a matchup against Santa Barbara High (opponent as scheduled), where they hope to continue their winning streak and further showcase the talent that earned Saunders her weekly accolade.
Local supporters are encouraged to attend upcoming games, reinforcing the tradition of community involvement in youth sports—a cornerstone of Santa Barbara’s vibrant athletic culture.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
