Indians clinch league crown

BURROUGHS HIGH — The Burroughs High boys' volleyball team was happy to share the Pacific League championship last season. But this season the squad had aspirations to capture the title outright.

Also last season, the Indians were elated to win their first playoff match in program history. But this season the group has loftier goals.

Enjoying a wildly successful year, Burroughs rolled to a victory that secured its first undisputed Pacific League crown when it defeated visiting Glendale, 25-16, 25-8, 25-9, Tuesday at home.

"This is something that the guys have been working really hard to obtain," Burroughs Coach Joel Brinton said. "Really, this is something that we've been working toward since the summer. It's just nice to see that all of their hard work has paid off."

The win improves Burroughs — ranked No. 1 in CIF Southern Section Division III — to 29-3, 7-0 in league. More importantly, the win gives the Indians their second straight league championship.

But the Indians realize that their work is not yet done. They can claim an undefeated league campaign with a win Thursday at Claremont, which is ranked No. 7 in the division. The Indians defeated the Wolfpack at home April 22, 25-17, 25-16, 25-15. The teams shared the league crown last season.

Burroughs heads into the contest on a 13-match winning streak. The last time the team lost was March 26 against Palos Verdes in the championship match of the Cerritos Valley Christian Tournament.

"We know it's going to be tough, and it's going to be loud at Claremont," Brinton said.

Against Glendale, the Indians were paced by Anthony Carter, who had seven kills.

The team was able to easily dispose of the Nitros without the services of senior all-league outside hitter Lucas Yanez, who was nursing a sore shoulder.

"I was really proud of the way our bench came in and stepped up for us," Brinton said. "They really played well."

Following the Claremont match, the Indians will gear up for the postseason. With a talented squad, Brinton said he is looking for a hefty run in the playoffs.

"If we can do all the things we're supposed to do, and play like we've been playing, we think we have a legitimate shot at making it to the CIF finals," he said.