Three high school student athletes who led their teams to CIF playoff victories and titles were honored as the Athletes of the Week at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.
Annie Knecht, the setter for the Santa Barbara High girls volleyball team, and Bishop Diego outside hitter and six-rotation player Alina Urzua were named female co-Athletes of the Week for leading their respective teams to CIF-Southern Section championships.
The male award honoree was junior Nathan Barrios of the Santa Barbara High football team, which won its first-round CIF Division 6 playoff game over Campbell Hall, 36-20.
Barrios rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns in the victory. He had two key long runs that advanced the Golden Tornado from deep in their territory. He also played a solid defensive game at outside linebacker.
The Dons advance to the Division 6 quarterfinals and will play Newport Harbor at Peabody Stadium on Friday night.
Knecht, a junior team captain, recorded a double-double of 26 assists and 14 digs in Santa Barbara’s sweep over El Rancho for its first CIF girls volleyball title since 2008.
Coach Kristin Hempy said Knecht stepped up defensively to handle El Rancho’s attacks and did a nice job of mixing her sets.
Urzua was instrumental in Bishop Diego’s sweep of top-seeded Capistrano Valley Christian in the Division 7 championship match. The senior picked up 22 digs to go with five kills, one solo block and four aces. She also got the Cardinals going with a 10-point service run in the first set.
The title was the first for Bishop Diego girls volleyball since 1979.
The female honorable mention choices were Natasha Gill (San Marcos tennis) and Lola Bunn (SBCC volleyball).
The male candidates considered for the award include Jorge Figueroa (SBCC football) and Asher Smith (Carpinteria water polo).
— 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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