San Marcos girls tennis coach Jonny Sapp knows how to liven things up when he speaks at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.
On the eve of the Channel League opener against rival Dos Pueblos, Sapp looked out into audience in the Ranchero Room and declared his Royals were going to win Tuesday.
“I know DP is over there, and we play them tomorrow. And we’re going to take them,” he said while cracking a smile and drawing laughter from those in attendance.
Sapp recalled that he tried a similar tactic last season.
“You try not to jinx things … we have superstition,” he said of a common occurrence in sports. “So, last year, I tried to congratulate Santa Barbara for a winning season before we started — a reverse jinx. But that didn’t work as they won it, but we did get second place.
“This year, we have little bit of a different take. We’re going to go in there with some confidence and put it out there in the universe that we’re going to win Channel League this year. Hopefully, that manifests.”
Sapp’s confidence is backed by the fact he returns a team that won Channel League in the spring season. The returnees include defending singles champion Natasha Gill.
“We have a strong team. We got four more girls and that’s a huge asset,” he said.
The Royals are 5-0, playing a preseason schedule that “had some weight to it,” he said.
Sapp noted that Gill, now in her junior year, has plenty of support on the squad. Among the new key players is Sydney Posh, who plays singles and doubles.
“She’s versatile and she has a great work ethic, always wanting to work hard, always wanting to win, always wanting to make the team better,” said Sapp.
He said the team has great camaraderie. “Everyone pushing each other to get better.”
SBCC WOMEN’S WATER POLO
Pete Snyder, who coached the UCSB men’s water polo team to the 1979 NCAA National Championship, and later coached at Fullerton Community College, is volunteering as an assistant coach for Chuckie Roth at SBCC.
Snyder pointed out that the 8-2 Vaqueros are playing the top teams in the state. Last week they beat perennial power Riverside in overtime and lost to SoCal No. 2-ranked Orange Coast in overtime. This week, the Vaqueros play Mt. San Antonio, state No. 1-ranked Fullerton, Long Beach and NorCal power West Valley.
“We’re playing stiff competition,” said Snyder.
He introduced Allison Kay and Jenna Olsen as two key players on the team.
“Kay is a great leader in and out of the pool,” said Snyder. “She’s been a great contributor to our offense. She’s got a lot of great awareness, particularly comes to making assists, and makes an impact on defense.”
Olsen is a transfer from Sonoma State, which dropped its women’s water polo program. She scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Riverside.
“She’s made a huge impact on our team,” said Snyder. “She’s a great outside shooter and is very creative in pool.”
SAN MARCOS FOOTBALL
Coach Ralph Molina experienced something new in his 39 years of coaching football last Friday in the Royals’ game against Nordhoff.
Ahead 14-13, the Royals faced a fourth down deep in their end of the field and lined up to punt with 31 seconds to go.
“We did everything right,” he said. “We got them to use all their timeouts and we took a delay of game that backed us up a little bit. With 30-32 seconds left in the game, all we got to do is punt the ball and we get them out of there and hang on to win.
Then the worst case scenario happened.
“All of sudden the snap goes up. For everybody else, I’m sure it was quick. But for me, it was slow-mo, just watching this ball go over the punter’s head and out of the end zone. (Nordhoff) was even shocked. They get the win, 15-14.”
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Molina said he was proud how his players made the adjustments in the second half and played good football.
“We’re going to take that momentum this Friday against a real good DP team coming off their first win. DP-San Marcos is always a huge game.”
Molina introduced senior wide receiver/corner back/punt returner Jackson Murillo, who made a key interception in the fourth quarter against Nordhoff, and senior tight end/defensive end/kicker/punter Benji Rios.
“Both these guys don’t ever come off the field,” said Molina.
UCSB WOMEN’S SOCCER
Assistant coach Patrick Mahon said it was good to get on the scoresheet and keep a clean sheet in Sunday’s 1-0 win over the University of San Diego, which had beaten three other Big West teams. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and scoreless drought for the Gauchos.
Mahon praised freshman Sophie Vivar, Gian Cimring and O’Callhan Liu.
“All three of them came into the team, especially that last game, and started and played at least 75 minutes,” he said. “It was really good for them, and they’re showing why they should be a part of this team. And, they’re showing we have a really bright future.”
WESTMONT CROSS COUNTRY
Assistant coach Chris Hanessian said he expects the Warriors to have their top seven runners on the men’s and women’s teams for this Saturday’s meet at The Master’s.
The team has a strong freshman class that gives the Warriors a shot at winning Golden State Athletic Conference titles and qualifying for the NAIA Nationals.
SANTA BARBARA HIGH FOOTBALL
Coach JT Stone brought “the backbone” of his football team, offensive linemen Ryan Holguin and Ryan Perez.
He said the Dons are not a successful program without the two.
“These guys have started at right guard and right tackle since they were sophomores. They were on a CIF finals team. They’ve seen it all and they’ve done it all. They make us go.” said Stone.
On last Friday’s 28-21 win at Ventura, which gave the Dons a 4-1 record going into their bye week before the Channel League opener at Lompoc on Sept. 30, Stone said a couple of his coaches got injured during the celebration at Larrabee Stadium.
“It was a good game for our kids and our program,” said Stone. “I’m happy we’re on a bye week and we are now moving on to league. We’re getting ready to get after Lompoc and Lompoc is going to try to get after us They’ve lost two games.
“I have a lot my buddies over there and they’re not looking to lose three in a row.”
DOS PUEBLOS GIRLS TENNIS
Coach Laura Housinger was concerned after she was left with seven players following the spring season. However, by the time the new school year came aroud, the roster increased to 25 players.
She called it “a testament to these kids being so excited to play. They love tennis, they come out fighting. They’re so excited.”
Housinger has a promising freshman in Ellie Triplett and a talented returning player in junior Romy Greenwald.
When Housinger saw Triplett during team tryouts, she recognized that the freshman knew what she was doing.
“She’s a tournament-level player. She has a family that loves tennis and she loves tennis. She has great focus and she’s undefeated so far this season,” said Triplett.
Greenwald rejoins the team after studying abroad in 2020.
“It was so sad to lose her, but it was an amazing opportunity for her to go across the world pretty much,” said Housinger.
Greenwald was third in the Channel League doubles as a freshman “and comes back fighting strong for a doubles spot this year for us. I’m really excited to see what happens.”
On the match against DP, Housinger said, “We’re going to reverse that result (that Sapp predicted) and say it’s going to be us.”
WESTMONT WOMEN’S SOCCER
Coach Jenny Jaggard said 50% of her starters are freshmen, “which is almost unheard of.”
The youth has raised the tempo for the Warriors on the field.
“When you watch us play, we’re super energized,” said Jaggard. “We are one of the most energetic teams that I’ve seen in a while. We’re generating over 15 shots a game, so we’ve a very offensive team, and I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of results we’re able to put together with this much youth.”
Jaggard gave a shoutout to her captains goalkeeper Kailey Meyer, forward Reese Davidson and center midfielder Teagan Matye.
UCSB CROSS COUNTRY
Program director Cody Fleming cracked that he hoped he and assistant Shayla Houlihan get injured celebrating this weekend when the Gauchos compete in the Dellinger Invitational at the University of Oregon.
He introduced Houlihan, who previously coached at Cal, where she took a couple of teams to the NCAA National Championships. She also started a professional running group for Under Armour in Flagstaff, Ariz.
“We’re really fortunate to have her join the Gauchos,” he said.
Houlihan said Nick Randazzo, a national qualifier in cross country in 2019, “has been awesome. His leadership is helping me along the way in this new role.”
Led by Randazzo’s first-place finish, the Gaucho men finished second to Cal Poly in a preview meet on the new Big West Championship course in Davis.
The women finished third and ahead of Cal Poly.
“That was kind of a big deal for us,” she said.
Shelby Nelson was the leader for the Gaucho women.
“She’s going to keep improving along the way and really fight for that conference title at the end of the year,” said Houlihan.
SANTA BARBARA HIGH CROSS COUNTRY
Sophomore Mackenna Show and senior Elena Everest are the captains of the Dons’ girls team.
On the boys team, Xan Tassos is the senior captain.
Assistant coach Moki Nacario also introduced senior Colten McToldridge.
The Dons competed at the inaugural Goose Chase Invitational in Santa Maria. The boys finished second and the girls fifth out of 15 teams.
Santa Barbara runs at the Raider Invitational at College Park in Oxnard on Friday.
DOS PUEBLOS CROSS COUNTRY
Freshman Eamon Gordon is the No. 1 runner for the Chargers’ boys team right now, said coach Nash Jimenez.
Gordon finished fifth at the Woodbridge Invitational, helping DP finished fifth as a team.
“That was an accomplishment,” said Jimenez.
In addition to running, Gordon excels in the classroom. He was one of 30 students across the country selected to show a project at a science fair in Washington D.C. The project has to do with linguistics.
Sarah Dent, a junior and the No. 2 runner on the girls team, is planning to graduate this school year.
“This is what Dos Pueblos is all about… student athletes,” said Jimenez.
Dent helped the DP girls finish fifth in a Division 2 race.
“We’re in Division 3, but when we go out of town we go up to Division 2. So that’s always a compliment for the kids, and they know it,” said Jimenez.
PROVIDENCE SPORTS
Athletic Director Evan Covell said Zach McNees is the school’s top cross country runner and has a shot of qualifying for CIF.
In girls tennis, the Patriots are 2-2 and have only one senior in Sydney Whited
Avala Elwood and freshman Sarah Monroy are the top two singles players.
Providence qualified for the CIF playoffs in the spring and lost to the eventual champion in the second round.
DOS PUEBLOS FOOTBALL
Coach AJ Pateras introduced kicker Greg Tripathi and defensive linemen Brett Jones
Tripathi had a great night kicking in DP’s 17-14 overtime win over Royal, its first win of the season. He booted the game-winning field goal.
“He had a chance to win it in regulation from about 47 yards, and he’ll tell you all the technical reasons why he missed,” said Pateras. “I’m glad he got an opportunity to redeem himself.”
Jones had a key interception late in the game that set up Tripathi’s game-winning attempt in regulation.
“A clutch interception from a defensive lineman is always a good thing,” said Pateras.
“These two men played a big part in our win on Friday night.”
The Chargers now play San Marcos on Friday for Goleta Valley bragging rights.
“It’s a rivalry that speaks for itself,” said Pateras. “The atmosphere should be fantastic, and we’re excited as this is our last game before league.”
LAGUNA BLANCA FOOTBALL
Coach Matt Escobar said the Owls nearly didn’t make it to Maricopa for its game last Friday.
“On the way there, not only do we sit in traffic, but we got stuck between a big fire on Interstate 5,” he said. “We were crossing our fingers that we were going to make it in time. We got there with only 20 minutes to spare before kickoff.”
Quarterback Jack Shiebler had a breakout game for the Owls, compiling 388 total yards and accounting for seven touchdowns.
Owen Pryor was a standout on defense with 13 total tackles, seven solo and four tackles for losses.
Shiebler and Pryor are the team leaders for the Owls. Escobar said the quarterback is a vocal leader and has the ability to fix mistakes on the offense.
Pryor leads by example.
“He’s really the silent killer on defense,” said Escobar.
Laguna Blanca will be home against Valley Christian Academy of Santa Maria on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
BISHOP DIEGO FOOTBALL
Athletic Director Aaron Skinner thanked SBCC and the game officials for allowing Saturday’s late-scheduled football game between the Cardinals and Liberty of Bakersfield to be played.
“A huge thank you to everybody involved,” said Skinner. “It was a heck of a football game.”
The Cardinals won 28-21 on four touchdowns by Qu’ran Gossett, the Athlete of the Week. He scored the game winner on a 45-yard run with 1:15 left in the game.
“It was great to be put in a situation like that,” said Skinner. “We did learn a lot about ourselves. We got a lot of gritty performances.”
Gossett provided one of those performances.
“He has done a remarkable job for us, but this was really the first game where he was asked to kind of be the workhorse. He was put in that situation unexpectedly and, obviously, he delivered.”
Senior defensive back Mikey Hayes had a big interception in the game.
“He pays a ton of attention to detail,” said Skinner. “In our two biggest games this year, so far, against Garces and then this last game against Liberty, he stepped up defensively for us, getting interceptions in both of those games.
“He pays attention to detail and understands what he can do to impact the play at the corner position, and it’s really paying off in these big games.”
CARPINTERIA SPORTS
Cross country assistant coach Noe Gomez introduced four-year runners Kate Cooney and Eduardo Vences.
The two are team leaders and also assist the coaches.
“They are two of the best leaders that we’ve ever had on the team,” said Gomez.
Gomez also introduced Cassandra Maya and Natalia Perez of the Carpinteria tennis team. The seniors are doubles partners.
Perez has been the team captain for two years. She is a good leader and communicator, said Gomez, speaking for coach Charles Bryant.
Maya puts in extra time after practice to improve her game.
Bryant said Maya and Perez are excellent ambassadors for the tennis program.
SAN MARCOS CROSS COUNTRY
Baylie Bingham was one of three freshman that ran in the varsity race at the Channel League Preview Meet at Dos Pueblos and was the Royals’ first finisher.
“She learned a lot and we’re hoping she’ll continue to do well on that end,” said coach Lawrence Stehmeier.
Isabel Harger is a JV runner who pushes the varsity runners to get better, or else she’ll take their spot.
“She’s the one putting the pressure on the varsity girls, so they go out and run the best race of their life to be able to keep their spot,” said Stehmeier.
The Royals have a solid 1-2 punch on the boys team with seniors Jacob Snodgress and Ethan Dwelley.
“They’ve continued on what they did in track and field,” said Stehmeier.
The runners pushed each other in the 800 on the track during the spring and they’re doing the same on cross country courses.
“It’s a beautiful thing to watch, along with the others that are on our cross country team,” said Stehmeier.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
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