Burroughs High boys’ volleyball team ends league season unbeaten

With the way it dominated the first round of Pacific League play, it might have been difficult for the Burroughs High boys’ volleyball players to stay completely motivated during the second round.

But the Indians did what they needed to do to win, clinching their fifth straight league championship last week.

Burroughs put an exclamation point on its season Tuesday, defeating visiting Claremont, 25-22, 25-16, 25-17, to end the season undefeated in league play.

“I think when the guys went through the first round of the league and they were able to get wins against everyone it was hard to keep their motivation at a high level in the second round,” Burroughs Coach Joel Brinton said. “Hey, they are teenagers, and that might have something to do with it.”

The Indians, ranked No. 9 in the latest CIF Southern Section Division II poll, ended the league campaign with a 12-0 record and are 19-5 overall. The Indians breezed through the league, going 32-1 in games (11 three-game sweeps), as they surrendered just one game to Glendale.

The only other time Burroughs went undefeated in league was in 2011, when it advanced to the program’s first-ever CIF championship.

“But that year we played only one round in league and we finished 8-0,” Brinton said. “So this year by going 12-0, the guys really made Burroughs history. It is a nice accomplishment for them.”

In Tuesday’s win, the Indians received a balanced offensive attack, as Jonathan Fuentes had eight kills, Max Chamberlain had seven and Nick Van Loo had six. Ryan Van Loo contributed 25 assists and Tristin Martin had 10 digs.

Next up for the Indians will be the playoffs, with the first round being on Tuesday. The playoff pairings will be released Friday.

“We just have to get ready for the playoffs and be ready for next week,” Brinton said. “I’m sure the guys will be motivated for that.”

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Follow Jeff Tully on Twitter: @jefftsports.