Thousand Oaks Survives Again

Player suspensions, injuries, an abrupt coaching resignation--Thousand Oaks High has seen it all this season.

Yet the Lancers have survived, the latest example coming Friday night in a 15-9, 15-7, 15-1 victory over Ventura in the first round of the Southern Section Division II boys’ volleyball playoffs.

Danny Raven had 11 kills, Micah Porter added 10 and the host Lancers (15-8) advanced to a second-round match Tuesday at Irvine, a victory in itself based on their tumultuous season.

Suspensions and injuries rendered Thousand Oaks helpless in losses to Canyon and Taft, teams it probably would have beaten at full strength, and the unexpected midseason resignation of Coach Tom Black stunned the team.

But the Lancers finished second in the rugged Marmonte League and handled a playoff opponent with ease.

“The kids battle,” said Coach Tara White, who replaced Black last month. “It’s a good way to start off our playoff round.”

The Lancers outblocked Ventura, 9-3, and had six in the second game to help erase a 5-1 deficit.

“The first game, we kind of got a feel for where their hitters were hitting, but in the second game we put it together,” said middle blocker Kevin Rex, who had nine kills and three blocks.

Jared Godinez had 16 kills for Ventura (7-8).