Hot start fades as Dons lose in CIF Final to Esperanza

The Dons were on their way to a two sets to nothing lead over Esperanza before the sleeping giant known as Jake Arnitz woke up. The 6’7 junior star took over the match and led the Aztecs to a 3-1 CIF Division 2 championship at Santiago Canyon College.

Santa Barbara came out strong as they won the first set 25-21 and led 18-13 in the second set before the top-seeded Aztecs went on a 7-1 run to lead 20-19. Esperanza would win the second set 25-20 and never looked back as they reeled off the next two sets 25-23 and 25-18.

Arnitz had a match-high 44 kills while Tristan Fauntleroy led Santa Barbara with 19.