Valencia Gets a Sweep in Defense of Its Title

Davey Rowley and Tony Ker could hardly find the words to describe their feelings after the Valencia boys’ volleyball team swept Santa Barbara, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, to win its second consecutive Southern Section Division II title Saturday at Cypress College.

“I’m speechless,” said Rowley, a senior outside hitter who had just spoken volumes with 14 kills during the match.

“I’m so excited right now,” said Ker, who had given the top-seeded Vikings (29-2), making their fourth appearance in a championship match, a big lift by serving for six consecutive points in the third game.

Rowley also finished with six digs. Ker had 11 kills and six digs in his final match before heading off to play at UCLA.

Second-seeded Santa Barbara (17-10), making its first appearance in a title match since a runner-up finish in 1997, got 10 kills from senior opposite hitter Spencer Boyle and five kills and five digs from Ric Cervantes.

-- Lauren Peterson