The Santa Barbara High School boys volleyball team has gone 13-1 this season becoming the channel league champions. The team’s constant work and dedication they did this season truly paid off. While interviewing junior Raglan Kear and sophomore Luke Zuffelato they were asked about goals and performances from this season. 

When asked about how he felt about the overall season now compared to the beginning, Raglan answered, “I think everyone really stepped it up.” He also stated the sweep from San Marcos was a big wakeup call for them. Earlier in the season he was asked what a major goal was for the team and it was becoming league champs. The volleyball team accomplished that goal and in response to how it felt, Raglan stated, “It feels amazing. We worked very hard and are very proud of what we have accomplished.”

When questioned about how he feels about the team’s overall performance he responded with, “I think our team’s performance surprised us to be honest.” He feels they performed better than they thought they would when the season started and says he thinks they surprised the fans also. Something memorable for him from this season was beating San Marcos in five sets at home back on Saint Patrick’s Day. 

When asked how he felt about this season and were there any accomplishments he had, Luke Zuffelato answered, “It felt the season went very well we over achieved by being channel league champs and of course that was the goal, but I feel like pre-season odds against San Marcos was the favorite.” The team’s continuous hard work is how the Dons are entering the CIF playoffs. When asked about future goals, Zuffelato stated that the team’s next goal is to go far in the playoffs and try to get that CIF ring. Luke included that because they are ranked number four in D2, they will be playing tough teams but that doesn’t mean they will lose. 

The volleyball team proved themselves this season by only losing one game overall. The hard work and dedication will continue through the playoffs in hopes to make it to the end. Santa Barbara High School’s volleyball team is working towards getting prepared for the CIF playoffs starting at home on April 27th and the team is looking bright in the future with the amount of people making an impact. 

Santa Barbara setting the ball in an important league game against Pacifica [Image Credit: James Sanchez].