September 22, 2007

CHATTER: Oaks Christian girls' volleyball makes history against La Reina
Daily News

On a campus filled with successful athletic programs, Oaks Christian of Westlake Village's girls' volleyball team ranks among the elite, making six consecutive playoff appearances and capturing three league titles in its seven-year existence.

But Thursday's victory was impressive even by the Lions' standards.

After dominating the Frontier League for several seasons, Oaks Christian officially became a contender for the Tri-Valley League crown following a 25-23, 25-18, 22-25, 25-17 victory at 15-time champion La Reina of Thousand Oaks, the Lions' first win over the Regents.

"Beating La Reina was one of our goals this year because that was one (victory) that had gotten away from us in the past," Oaks Christian coach George Hees said. "We still have a few more goals ahead of us to make this season complete and winning league is definitely one of them. But we know LaReina is a good team and they'll be pumped up to play us next time and Oak Park is a tough team, so we still have a lot of work to do."

Tara Ahern led Oaks Christian (3-0) with 15 kills and five blocks, and Rachel Denniston added 20 digs for the Lions, who, like La Reina, reached the Southern Section Div. III-AA semifinals last season.

"We only graduated one player, so I felt like we were the more experienced team," Hees said. "The girls have been working hard and doing a lot, so it's nice to see them get a reward."

Shannon Armstrong and Bridget Boskovich supported Ahern with strong play in the middle for Oaks Christian, ranked No. 5 in Div. III-AA, which plays host to No. 3 Oak Park on Oct. 9 and has a rematch with No. 2 LaReina on Oct. 16.

Lopez changes mind, commits to Fullerton

Crespi of Encino second baseman Carlos Lopez, who had previously given a verbal commitment to play baseball at UC Irvine, has instead decided to attend Cal State Fullerton.

Lopez, who hit .420 with 21 RBIs last season to rank second on the Celts in both categories, committed to UC Irvine to play for coach Dave Serrano.

But after leading the Anteaters to the College World Series in June, Serrano left UC Irvine to succeed George Horton at Cal State Fullerton. Lopez decided to follow Serrano after receiving a scholarship offer to play for the Titans.

Lopez, entering his fourth year on varsity, earned All-Southern Section Div. III honors last season after leading Crespi to the Mission League title and an appearance in the playoff semifinals.

Double the pleasure for C.V. against La Canada

Three talented freshmen showcased their singles prowess Friday in one of the area's most competitive girls' tennis rivalries.

But it was the same old story in doubles for La Canada, which couldn't match Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta's depth in a 13-5 nonleague setback at La Canada Country Club.

For the fifth time in six seasons, the Falcons (6-1) swept all nine doubles sets against their intercity rival, which trailed 7-2 at the match's midway point.

"They just have better doubles than we do," La Canada coach Joe Thompson said. "A lot of our girls don't have much experience in doubles and they do."

After winning five doubles sets in Thursday's 11-7 Pacific League triumph over Glendale, C.V. recorded its fourth sweep of the season, allowing a combined 17 games.

"Ninety percent of it is mental because physically they're better than we are," Falcons coach Tom Gossard said. "This is a good win. They're a good team and my girls stepped up. I need my girls to get ready for Glendale and Arcadia (in league), and winning here is a good way to start."

Sarah Ali won twice in singles and fellow ninth-grader Erin LeVoir added a victory for the Falcons. La Canada freshman Rachael Fox improved her set record to 14-0 with two wins and Erica Lee also won twice for the Spartans (4-1).

Short-handed Spartans can't keep up with No. 1

Playing without starters Spencer Borisoff and Tim Perry, who suffered game exclusions Thursday in a 7-5 victory over The Bishop's School of LaJolla, La Canada, the top-ranked team in Southern Section Div. III, suffered a 12-7 setback Friday to El Toro of Lake Forest - No. 1 in Div. I - in the quarterfinals of the Newport Harbor boys' water polo tournament.

- Erik Boal