Warriors survive, advance
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers LEAVING IT ALL ON THE FLOOR- Westlake's Kaitlyn Watase dives for a ball during Tuesday's five-game playoff win over Millikan.

It wasn't easy, but the Westlake High girls' volleyball team got the job done.

On Tuesday night, in the opening round of the CIF-Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs, the Warriors defeated Millikan in five hard-fought games (19-25, 25-16, 25-17, 21-25 and 15-9).

Westlake senior middle blocker Kaitlyn Watase said it took a while for the Warriors to figure out Millikan's offensive attack, but once they did, things went pretty smooth on the court for the home team.

"They tipped a lot, and that made it difficult to defend," Watase said. "But our defense was amazing in getting to all the tips. I'm really proud of the way we played."

Warrior setter Dena Gallucci finished with a seasonhigh 57 assists. Libero Mimi Sander had 31 digs, and outside hitter Michelle Ketter logged 24 kills and 11 digs.

In addition, WHS outside hitter Michelle Osinski chipped in with 11 kills and 15 digs. Opposite Stephanie Cohen added 12 kills and 12 digs.

The Warriors (21-5) advanced to tonight's second-round game at top-seeded and national power Mira Costa (26-0). MCHS was the only team in the division to receive a first-round bye.

"Mira Costa is the defending national champion, and they're No. 1 in the nation this year- nobody argues that," Westlake head coach Ernest Rittenhouse said.

"We just want to go there, play our best and see how it goes."

Tonight's match in Manhattan Beach is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

In addition to Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Oaks Christian, Oak Park, La Reina and Viewpoint all advanced to the second round in their respective divisions.