El Dorado continues its reign in Century League

ANAHEIM - El Dorado clinched its eighth consecutive Century League title on Thursday by sweeping Canyon, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19, at Canyon High.

Canyon (19-8, 8-3) put up a fight and forced the Golden Hawks into several long rallies, but the Comanches couldn't capitalize and turn them into points.

Setter Kelly Claes led El Dorado (14-9, 10-0) with four blocks, 12 digs, 14 kills and 21 assists. Outside hitter Rebecca Bonaker contributed 11 kills and libero Lauren Gullotti had 13 digs.

The Comanches rallied in the second set, to come within three points, but El Dorado held them off with a big block by Kiki Okpala and McKenna Lumley.

“They (Canyon) played tough,” El Dorado coach Craig Tefertiller said. “We always expect the other team to play well. It’s always going to be a battle.”

Canyon came out with energy and momentum in the beginning of the third set, taking a 6-2 lead. Little by little El Dorado chipped away at the lead and tied the match at 14, then went on to score 11 of the match’s final 16 points.

“We need to be more consistent,” Tefertiller said. “If we keep working on our consistency, we’ll be fine going forward.”