Valencia Stops Ventura to Win Division II Boys’ Volleyball Title

It wasn’t only a one-sided victory Saturday in the Southern Section Division II boys’ volleyball final at Cypress College. It was the culmination of a dominating playoff run for Valencia.

The Vikings put away Ventura, 15-2, 15-4, 15-7, slamming the door on the first section title in any sport for the 9-year-old school.

Except for losing the first game in the semifinals Wednesday against Santa Ynez, Valencia did not allow more than eight points in any other playoff game.

Senior opposite hitter Alex McEwan said the experience of playing in the last two Division I finals helped keep the Vikings cool against Ventura. “We’re not so nervous anymore,” he said.

The top-seeded Vikings (21-1) scored the first eight points, taking the first game on a hitting error by Ventura’s Kevin Denharder. Valencia didn’t feel much pressure in Game 2. The Cougars cut Valencia’s lead to 3-2 but lost the next six points. Tony Ker’s back-row kill finished the game.

The Vikings had to play from behind in the final game, giving up the first five points before winning 11 of the next 12. Brian Wintroub ended it with a service winner.

The unseeded Cougars (13-10) finished third in the Channel League and were making their first appearance in the final in the program’s history.

“It’s definitely an advantage being here twice before,” said Ker, who led the Vikings with nine kills.

-- Dan Arritt