Loyola Boys Close In on Championship : Boys’ volleyball: After beating Santa Barbara, the only thing that stands in their way is San Clemente.

Loyola High’s mission has reached the stretch drive toward a boys’ volleyball title.

Continuing an impressive playoff run, the Cubs soundly defeated Santa Barbara 15-9, 15-7, 15-3, in a Southern Section Division I-A semifinal match Wednesday at Loyola.

After being eliminated by Laguna Hills in last season’s playoffs,the Cubs (21-1) vowed to bring home a championship in 1995. Santa Barbara ended its season at 18-3.

The Cubs squared off against San Clemente for the championship at Cypress College Saturday night. (See Sports, Section C, for results.)

“We have a big game on Saturday,” said Cubs opposite hitter Tim Farmer. “With the way we’ve been playing, we should do well.”

Farmer, who had been overshadowed by his brother Dan, recorded 18 kills and three blocks. Dan Farmer had nine kills and five blocks.

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Patrick Klein led Loyola with 19 kills and Bryan Dunne had 12 blocks, including five in the final game.

Santa Barbara Coach Bob Moore substituted frequently to keep his players fresh,but the strategy favored the Cubs.

“They tried to get us tired by substituting,” Loyola Coach Eric Wells said, “but it backfired, because our kids are well-conditioned.”

Loyola fell behind, 6-3, in the first game, but scored five consecutive points to gain momentum that continued through two more games.

“It is good that we can play with a team effort,” said Klein, who will attend Stanford next fall. “After the first match, we decided to take it them. We have six guys [who] play well together.”

Added Wells: “Santa Barbara played control volleyball tonight. They’re not as big and athletic as we are, so we took advantage of our opportunities.”

After trailing 10-2 in the second game, the Dons scored five points. But Loyola scored the final five points.

The final game was no contest. Trailing 3-2, the Cubs scored 13 consecutive points to finish off Santa Barbara. Match point came on Klein’s kill.