Buena Turns Back Ventura as Everyone Gets Into Act

Buena High showed power and finesse.

More importantly, the Bulldogs showed balance.

Four players had nine or more kills and Buena defeated Ventura, 15-8, 15-10, 11-15, 15-4, in a Channel League girls’ volleyball match Thursday night at Ventura.

Buena (7-2, 6-2 in league play), ranked No. 7 in the region by The Times, boasted a diverse offense that doesn’t come close to relying on one player.

The wealth, as they say, is shared.

“No one’s really the standout,” said setter-outside hitter Krystal McFarland, who had 10 kills. “Everyone has their own part to do and they do it.”

If not for San Marcos, one of the top teams in the state, Buena would be in good shape for the Channel League title.

Instead, the Bulldogs will have to be happy with second place, which they are almost assured of after the victory Thursday.

“This clinches playoffs for us,” said Buena Coach Jack Richards, who was one of eight former or current Ventura County coaches honored after the second game for career achievement in volleyball.

Buena’s Bohdana Saunders finished with 15 kills, including six in the fourth game.

The Bulldogs tinkered with their lineup in the third game, allowing Ventura (6-7, 2-5) back into the match on the strength of two kills and two blocks by Holly McGarrah.

But Buena, which plays San Marcos for the third and final time Tuesday, was almost unstoppable in the fourth game, scoring 11 consecutive points on McFarland’s serve.

“If we can mix it up with our hitters, we can give [San Marcos] a battle,” said Richards, whose team has been swept twice by San Marcos. “I don’t care what anybody says, I think my team can beat their team.”