At first glance, the San Diego Section Division IV girls volleyball final between Santa Fe Christian and Bishop's appeared to be a mismatch.

The top-seeded Eagles towered over the No. 2 Knights.

But Bishop's quickly proved that heart and skill can more than make up for lack of height, dispatching Santa Fe Christian in three games 25-18, 25-23, 27-25 yesterday at Canyon Crest Academy.

“They're so much taller than us,” said Bishop's setter Ina Kamenova, who led all players with 32 assists. “We worked a lot on our speed and defense. I thought we played great defense.”

The Knights' offense also proved potent, led by outside hitter Kristen Casey with 11 kills.

Bishop's (25-9) cruised to a commanding 18-8 lead in the first game before the Eagles woke up to make it close.

The second game was more competitive. SFC's defense, led by tall middle blockers Jenny DeVries and Victoria Adelhelm, made it difficult for the Knights' hitters to score.

Santa Fe Christian coach Gail Malone said her team played one of its weakest matches of the season.

“We didn't pass well today,” said Malone, whose team defeated Bishop's in the 2007 final. “We got outplayed.”

Santa Fe Christian (28-6) battled to get back in the match in the third game, but three straight aces by Bishop's libero Julie Gantz swung the momentum in the Knights' favor for good.

“They're bigger and more physical, but we won the big points today,” Bishop's coach Tod Mattox said.