There wasn’t much to separate the two teams in the CIF-Southern Section Division 7 boys volleyball final.
Until it came time to do just that.
Foothill Tech found the decisive points at the end of each of three close sets to emerge with its first section championship, 25-22, 25-19, 25-21, in a sweep of host Oakwood School on Saturday, May 16, in North Hollywood.
Foothill Tech coach David Benedik praised the Dragons’ efficiency and teamwork in clutch situations on the road in a hostile environment.
“We were able to distance ourselves,” said Benedik said. “I give a lot of credit to the team for being mentally tough in a hard environment and not giving up even when it was tight.”
Sophomore outside hitter Styles Haley Kettler had nine kills and two blocks, junior middle blocker Colton Salles had seven kills and two blocks, sophomore libero Zach Ohl had eight digs and two aces and sophomore setter Royal Knox finished with 27 assists and two aces for Foothill Tech (16-8).
“Styles had a great night, Colton hit for a high percentage and our setter, Royal, had a good night distributing the ball,” Benedik said. “It was a team victory.”
Playing in the program’s first CIF-SS final on the road, Foothill Tech protected a close lead for much of the first set, then emerged from late ties in the second and third sets to clinch.
“Playing away in the championship game isn’t idea, but it was a great environment,” Benedik said. “It was hard fought, back and forth.”
Passing defense and serving strength propelled the Dragons to a memorable night.
“Defense has propelled us to success this whole season. Passing defense was essential to getting the victory … and our serving was tough. Their passing wasn’t able to handle our serving as well. So they weren’t able to run their offense as efficiently,” Benedik said. “They weren’t able to get into the offensive flow that we were able to do.”
After dropping just two sets the entire postseason, Foothill Tech awaited word on whether it would be selected to CIF-State competition Sunday.
The Dragons earned their first sectional final berth by beating Anaheim (3-0), Bell Gardens (3-0), Cerritos-Valley Christian (3-2) and Rialto (3-0).
The Dragons’ triumph came on a memorable night for Tri-Valley League volleyball. League champion Bishop Diego won Division 5 with a four-set win over Long Beach-St. Anthony.
“It’s pretty rare that two teams from the same league win CIF,” Benedik said.
Joe Curley is a staff writer for The Star. He can be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. For more coverage, follow @vcspreps on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads, Facebook, Bluesky and TikTok.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Foothill Tech boys volleyball nets first CIF-SS championship
Reporting by Joe Curley, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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