PREP VOLLEYBALL SOUTHERN SECTION FINALS : Couvillion, Renshaw Lead Santa Barbara in 4-A

Santa Barbara High won its first Southern Section 4-A volleyball title since the Karch Kiraly era with a 15-7, 15-8, 15-10 victory over Huntington Beach in the championship match Saturday at Cerritos College.

It was the Dons’ first title since 1978, when Kiraly, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a top pro beach player, was a member of their lineup.

Steve Couvillion had 20 kills and Matt Renshaw, who has signed with Stanford, had 55 assists for unseeded Santa Barbara (19-2).

“No one has had an answer for Matt or Steve all year,” Santa Barbara Coach Bob Moore said. “People around Santa Barbara are asking if Renshaw is the next Karch Kiraly. I coached Karch and there are a lot of similarities between the two--the same size, drive and mental attitude.”

Couvillion had 10 kills in the second game as the Dons broke a 6-6 tie by scoring nine of the next 11 points. Couvillion had three kills, two blocks and an ace during Santa Barbara’s 9-2 run.

Jeff VanderWal and Claude Doumerc each had 16 kills for Huntington Beach (20-3).

DIVISION 3-A

Simi Valley Royal 3, Anaheim Esperanza 2--Royal won its third section championship in four years with a 10-15, 15-13, 4-15, 15-11, 15-11 victory.

Brett Osterhoudt had 33 kills and Steve Hodge 29 for Royal (22-0), making its fourth consecutive title game appearance. The Highlanders won 2-A titles in 1989 and ‘90, and finished second to Harvard-Westlake in 3-A last season.

Brad Goldston had 23 kills and Ryan Delaney 21 for Esperanza (16-3).

DIVISION 2-A

Whittier Christian 3, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 1--Top-seeded Whittier Christian won its second consecutive championship with a 15-10, 11-15, 15-3, 15-13 victory.

Adam McIlhenny had 13 kills and three aces, and Tim Stranske had 18 kills for the Heralds (20-1).

Danny Neumann had 16 kills and Philip Schildts 13 for unseeded Calvary Chapel (10-8).