Bulldogs extend their losing streak to two games following a 3-0 start 

The Burbank Bulldogs are in a mini-slump as they fell to the Castaic Coyotes in four sets (25-19, 27-29, 25-21, 25-21). Burbank suffered a four-set defeat to Golden Valley back on Tuesday and Castaic also lost in four to Golden Valley on Thursday in the first of a back-to-back. 

The Coyotes began the night by scoring the first two points of the evening which came via miscommunication from Burbank. First, they let the ball fall to the ground and then the Bulldogs were out of rotation. Caiden Kai Abaradar and Evan Delim traded points by recording kills for their respective teams. Delim also helped the Coyotes go on a 5-2 scoring run in the first half of the first set. Castaic continued to cruise throughout the opening frame and Delim scored another kill to end the set and give the Coyotes a 25-19 win in the first set. 

The second set provided a lot of scoring from both teams with both teams battling neck and neck to start set two. Michael Schubert, Brandon Chong, and Jun Angel all had points late in the high-scoring second set which saw the teams battle and showed in that match why 25 points was not enough. Michael Becker had a blocked shot to help the Bulldogs come away with a 29-27 win over the Coyotes to even up the series heading into the third set. 

Following a high-scoring second set, Castaic re-gained control of the game in that third set with Burbank continuing to stay in it in hopes of taking a 2-1 series lead. Ultimately, Tyler Tran’s serve ended up hitting the net with the Coyotes taking the victory in the third set. 

The Bulldogs began the fourth set by going on a 7-0 scoring run. Aidan Casey, Tyler Tran, and Caiden Kai Abarabar all helped with the offense for Burbank. Castaic had their backs against the wall and found a way to overcome a 7-0 scoring deficit with Brian Lee and Evan Delim both making it a one-score game for the Coyotes. Castaic also faced a 7-13 hole and found a way to overcome another huge deficit to eventually come away with a 25-21 win to defeat Burbank in four sets. 

“We are always looking to compete even if it is against quality opponents but in those games, we find out what our strengths are in the wins and losses,” said Brandon Villaflor. Villaflor also added that the team lost energy in the end but still found ways to stay in the game when things did not go the Bulldog’s way. 

Burbank falls to 3-2 and Castaic improves to 5-3. Both teams will return to action on Tuesday, March 11th as the Bulldogs will begin Pacific League play with the Crescenta Valley Falcons with the first serve scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Castaic will resume Foothill League play with the Valencia Vikings on the road at 5:30 p.m.