Burroughs volleyball starts playoffs with a sweep
BURBANK — The Burroughs High boys’ volleyball team isn’t used to losing even a game when it takes the court lately — the Indians entered Tuesday’s CIF Southern Section Division II playoff opener coming off an undefeated Pacific League title run that saw them lose just one game along the way.
And up two games with visiting Canyon of Anaheim coming on strong in the third, Burroughs wasn’t about to let even a game slip away in the playoffs.
The Indians shook off early rust in the final game to secure the opening round sweep, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19, at Burroughs High.
“Those guys have done a good job all year of showing their ability to reset and keep pushing,” said Burroughs Coach Joel Brinton. “At no point was I worried down 3-0 or 4-0.”
For good reason.
Nick Van Loo picked up six of his game-high 18 kills in the final game and the Indians closed out the match on a 9-3 run that took the match from 16-16 to 25-19 on a game-winning kill from Van Loo.
“We came out to fire and come out strong,” Van Loo said. “Our passing is there. Our serving is there. I think we can do some great things.”
Canyon kept things close in game one, pulling within 19-17 before the Indians closed on a 6-2 run to seal it on a Van Loo ace.
Game two was 19-18 Burroughs (19-5) before another 6-2 run sealed it for the Indians.
Chris Young and Manny Parga each led the Comanches (13-15) with six kills and three aces.
“I thought it could have gone either way, a couple opportunities that we didn’t execute on,” Canyon Coach Matt Peacock said.
For the Indians, Max Chamberlain had seven kills, Danny Casillas led with 10 digs and Ryan Van Loo had a match-high 28 assists and added two aces.
With the victory, Burroughs advances to face Moore League No. 1 Long Beach Poly, which defeated Corona of Santiago, 3-0, on Tuesday. The second-round match will take place Thursday at a site to be determined.
“There’s a lot that needs to be cleaned up,” Brinton said. “These guys are smart enough that they know it. I know practice Wednesday is going to be nice and focused.”