OCHS soccer squads earn respect in rankings

The Oaks Christian soccer programs have had a great deal of success in recent years. Thus far, this season appears to be no different.

In the latest CIF-Southern Section Division V coaches' poll released Monday, the OCHS girls' squad was ranked No. 1. Oaks Christian has won co-CIF championships in four of the last five seasons.

The Lions' most fierce TriValley League rival, Oak Park, was ranked fifth in the same division. The two teams played Wednesday night at Oak Park High.

In winning eight of their first 11 matches, the Lions' offense has been fueled by the strong play of Kelsea Smith (seven goals, four assists) and Alexandra Courtnall (eight goals, five assists).

Jaciara Mello (six goals) and Kristen Clark (four goals, two assists) have also performed well offensively for OCHS.

The only other local girls' soccer team that was ranked this week was Agoura High. The Chargers are second in Division II.

On the boys' side, Oaks Christian was ranked No. 2 in Division V, just behind Mountain View.

The Lions entered Wednesday night's Tri-Valley League home opener against Carpinteria with a 6-2-2 record. OCHS hadn't lost since a 1-0 setback in its season opener against Hueneme on Nov. 26.

No other local boys' teams were ranked this week.

- Stephen Dorman