By John Sherrard, Correspondent

MONTEBELLO – Montebello and El Rancho high schools aren’t really rivals, but you couldn’t tell it by Tuesday’s nonleague girls volleyball match.

The visiting Dons (2-1) might have swept the Oilers (1-1) 25-12, 25-20, 25-21, but they were challenged in both the second and third games.

“We’ve always had really good games with Montebello,” El Rancho coach Ida Picon said. “Either one year we win or another year they win. It’s always back and forth and a great rivalry. I love playing against them.”

Leading the way for El Rancho was senior outside hitter Elissa Sanchez with a match-high 10 kills and domination at the net, along with junior outside hitter Romy Ramos, who had six kills.

“That’s what you call volleyball experience,” Picon said of Sanchez and Ramos.

“They are also club players and are my only two with more than two years of volleyball experience.”

In the first game, Montebello trailed, 7-5, but the Dons reeled off eight consecutive points behind the serving of senior defensive specialist Celeste Reyes (10 digs), to take a commanding 15-5 lead. Sanchez and Ramos had two kills each in the opening game.

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