Canyon Falls in Volleyball Quarterfinals

Canyon High surprised even itself by advancing to the quarterfinals of the third Volleyball Tournament of Champions at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion on Saturday night.

Canyon defeated El Toro, 15-8, in the first round of the playoffs and defeated Los Altos, 15-13, in a second-round match.

“I didn’t expect to come this far at all,” Canyon Coach Ardyce Masters said. “I was just hoping that we’d get out of our pool.”

Canyon lost to second-seeded Santa Barbara, 15-4, in the quarterfinals, but not before Eli Contreras had recorded 216 assists and Rick Phillips and Troy Aldrich added 48 and 47 kills, respectively, in 11 tournament games.

“I was surprised we did this well,” Contreras said. “But in the back of my mind, I knew that if we tried really hard, we could do it.”

Masters said it was the best Canyon has played this season. “We played against programs that have been around for eons. I’m very proud of the kids.”

In the second round, Canyon never trailed, leading by scores of 11-7 and 13-9. The Cowboys survived a scare when Los Altos tied the score, 13-13, but Aldrich had two kills to give Canyon the victory.

“I think the momentum from wining the first game carried over (against Los Altos),” Masters said. “They were really fueled up to play Santa Barbara.”

Three other Valley teams made it to the playoffs, but all lost in the first round.

Royal lost to Fresno Bullard, 15-3. Outside hitter Jeff Colton led the Highlanders with 37 kills in the tournament.

Kevin Hambly (33 kills), Adam White (24 kills) and Travis Ferguson (106 assists) also played key roles.

Madera defeated Taft, 15-5, and Mission Viejo upset Crespi, 16-14.

Matt Davis led Taft with 37 kills and Cody Hein had 28 assists in the tournament.