Santa Barbara High Fell in Saddleback Tournament Final
The Dons lost the championship game to Sonora High after an intense run through the bracket.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Surfing
Santa Barbara High finished as the runner-up in the Saddleback Tournament following a 9-6 loss to Sonora High. The Dons previously advanced to the final after a dramatic 15-14 overtime victory against Yorba Linda.
Why it matters
The tournament served as a key test for the team as they continue their competitive season schedule. The team now looks to regroup ahead of their next matchup later this week.
In the semifinal win, Paolo Borgioli led the scoring with seven goals while Mason Walsh contributed four goals and the game-winner. Goalkeeper Charlie Gray also recorded six saves during the semifinal victory.
The players
Santa Barbara High
This is a local educational institution known for its competitive athletic programs in the Santa Barbara area.
Sonora High
This school serves as a competitive athletic opponent in regional tournament play.
Paolo Borgioli
He is a student-athlete who delivered a standout seven-goal performance during the tournament semifinals.
Mason Walsh
He is a student-athlete responsible for scoring the deciding goal in the tournament semifinal victory.
Charlie Gray
He is a student-athlete who contributed to the team's defensive efforts with six saves in the semifinal round.
The details
Sonora High jumped out to a commanding 6-0 lead in the second quarter of the championship game, though Santa Barbara High managed to narrow the deficit to 6-3 by halftime. The Dons secured their spot in the final thanks to a clutch goal by Walsh, who scored off an assist from Borgioli to end the overtime semifinal thriller.
Timeline
The tournament games were played on September 26, 2026.
Santa Barbara High is scheduled to play Channel Islands on October 1, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This tournament appearance provides a clear performance baseline for the Dons as they navigate the remainder of their fall schedule. The outcome shifts the team's momentum heading into their next league contest against Channel Islands.
The 15-14 overtime semifinal victory required deep rotation usage to manage player fatigue. Following this tournament loss, the team must recalibrate their offensive strategy to improve early-game scoring consistency.
The takeaway
Tournament play requires high stamina and the ability to maintain defensive focus over multiple games in a single day. Athletes should focus on recovery protocols between matches to ensure peak performance in high-stakes championship rounds.
What happens next
Santa Barbara High will play Channel Islands on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the current season, visit Santa Barbara Surfing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Noozhawk.
