Warriors mix and match

Versatile lineup boosts Westlake’s girls’ volleyball team




THRILLER—Outside hitter Elizabeth Crisp spikes the ball at Westlake practice. Her brother, Blake, stars for the Warrior boys’ volleyball team.

THRILLER—Outside hitter Elizabeth Crisp spikes the ball at Westlake practice. Her brother, Blake, stars for the Warrior boys’ volleyball team.

One thing is certain. The Warriors are versatile.

Westlake High’s girls’ volleyball team constantly shuffled defensive formations at practice earlier this week. Players seamlessly traded sides and positions.

The Warriors are gearing up for their regular-season opener on Wed., Aug. 24 against Chaminade on the road.

“We’re looking really good,” sophomore outside hitter Elizabeth Crisp said. “I’m really looking forward to winning league again.”

Head coach Ernest Rittenhouse, in his 12th season at the helm, raved about his players’ diverse skills. There are only nine varsity players, but that’s enough considering everyone can do a little bit of everything.

The Warriors, who have claimed three straight Marmonte League titles, are ready to defend their crown against quality league foes.

Sarah Ainley, a senior middle blocker, said she wants to cap her prep career with a fourth straight Marmonte crown.

“I think it’d be really special,” she said. “It’d be a good way to end.”

Westlake graduated several talented hitters from last year’s team that compiled a 21-8 overall record en route to a CIF-Southern Section Division 1A second round postseason berth. The Warriors said they aren’t concerned about a drop-off on offense.

“We have big hitters,” sophomore setter Ashley Webb said. “We can put the ball away.”

Five seniors boost the Warriors’ lineup. Outside hitters Peyton Sper and April Ball, who also plays middle blocker, lead the Warrior attack. Ainley and fellow middle blocker Jenny Ferrin are returning starters. Kaylee Lance is a returning libero.

Webb and Crisp are dynamic players. Fellow sophomores Paris Short and Jennifer Trephan, a varsity soccer player, provide essential depth. The four sophomores helped Westlake’s junior varsity squad compile a perfect 28-0 season in 2015.

The returners know they can’t take any opponent lightly during league play. The Warriors aren’t shying away from any challenge.

“I’m really excited to play everyone in the league,” Ainley said. “They’re going to be really good.”

Trephan said she’s also eager to face every league foe.

“I know people on Agoura and Calabasas,” she said. “They’re strong teams.”

She’s circled the dates when Westlake and Thousand Oaks clash. Former Warrior Amy Trephan, Jennifer’s older sister, traded her Warrior orange for Lancer green this summer.

“I’m sure we’ll go hard against each other,” Jennifer Trephan said.

The Warriors will work on perfecting the details before Marmonte action starts Sept. 20 at Oaks Christian.

Crisp, an excellent passer, said her hitting needs work. Trephan said she’s building strength to get her sets closer to the pins.

“I’ve been working on jump setting,” Webb said. “I’ve been getting a lot of practice with that this summer.”

The Warriors have also spent extra time practicing digs to solidify the defense.

Westlake remains one of the strongest teams at the net in the area.

Rittenhouse said he’s confident his seniors will step up as quality leaders on and off the court. The sophomores could hold the keys to Westlake’s destiny this fall, the coach said.

“If the sophomores are impressive,” he said, “then we’re chasing another league title.”


DELIVERY—Jenny Ferrin serves the ball during practice with the Westlake High girls’ volleyball team earlier this week.

DELIVERY—Jenny Ferrin serves the ball during practice with the Westlake High girls’ volleyball team earlier this week.

KNOCK KNOCK—Westlake’s Ashley Webb shares a laugh with teammates. Webb is one of the best setters in Ventura County.

KNOCK KNOCK—Westlake’s Ashley Webb shares a laugh with teammates. Webb is one of the best setters in Ventura County.

 

 

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