Burbank High volleyball derailed by Foothill in first round of playoffs

It was a battle of second-place teams in their respective leagues when the Burbank High boys’ volleyball team traveled to Foothill on Tuesday for the opening round of the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

The Bulldogs were hoping that a good showing in the Pacific League would help them win their first postseason contest in just the school’s second playoff appearance since the program was revived in 2012.

Unfortunately for Burbank, it went up against a strong Foothill team, as it saw its season end with a 25-13, 25-13, 25-17, first-round Division II loss on the road.

“Foothill was a very good team,” Burbank Coach Patrick McMenamin said. “They served well, they executed well and they had a height advantage. We had problems with our serving and that has been a strong point for us for most of the season.

“Division II is no joke and Foothill is one of the good teams in the division.”

Burbank (16-6) continued its upswing as a program this season, earning the runner-up spot in league behind Burroughs. It is the best league finish for the Bulldogs ever in the Pacific League.

“To end up with a 16-6 record is a big accomplishment for our team. They have a lot to be proud of,” McMenamin said. “

Foothill (16-4), which placed second in the Century League, took control in each of the three games and didn’t allow the Bulldogs to fight their way back.

“We had an inability to sideout and that hurt us a lot,” McMenamin said.

Joseph Servin and Willie Perryman had five kills each for Burbank. Peter Jang added 12 assists and Paul Shim contributed six digs.

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Follow Jeff Tully on Twitter: @jefftsports.