Injuries too much for WHS to overcome

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers TWO AGAINST ONE—Westlake High defenders Melissa Johnson, center, and Ashlyn Sportato block Moorpark's Rachael Kidder during Tuesday's match at Moorpark. The Warriors lost in four games. Playing another Marmonte League match without its best player, UCLAbound senior outside hitter Michelle Ketter, the Westlake High girls' volleyball team started hot but fizzled down the stretch in a four-game loss at Moorpark Tuesday night.

The Warriors (12-11, 5-8 in league) won the first game, 2522, and had a pair of game-points in Game 2 but were unable to close out the Musketeers (17111, 8-5 in league).

Moorpark won the final three games by scores of 28-26, 25-15 and 25-18.

WHS senior outside hitter Haeley Moore said her team's inability to finish off Game 2 was the turning point in the match.

"Our whole momentum went downhill after that," Moore said. "Our coach always tells us about winning critical points, so that was definitely a letdown for us."

Ketter suffered a back injury during an Oct. 14 match at Calabasas and only played in one game two days later during a home loss to Royal. Since her injury, the Warriors have lost five of six league contests to fall out of playoff contention.

"This is a team that would make the playoffs and maybe finish in the top three in league with Ketter," Westlake head coach Ernest Rittenhouse said. "Without her it's a drastically different team. . .

"You have expectations based upon the squad as you see it in full strength, so when you lose a major player like that it's tough because it shifts your expectations. The girls have been trying really hard and playing as best they can, but we're just missing too many kids."

In addition to Ketter, Westlake also played without junior defensive specialist Brieanna Poteracke-Palmisano, who's also nursing a back injury. Sophomore opposite Hannah Schuett was limited because of a sore knee but did play.

"Nobody likes to make excuses," Rittenhouse said. "Everybody has players that are a little banged up at this time of year."

Against Moorpark, WHS senior setter Dena Gallucci had a team-leading 24 assists. Senior libero Megan Tuttle chipped in with 15 digs, while junior middle blocker Melissa Johnson logged seven kills and five blocks.

Barring an unlikely postseason wild-card bid, Westlake's final contest of the year is tonight at home against Calabasas. Match time is set for 6 p.m.