By Kyle Jorrey jorrey@theacorn.com

After suffering through three years of playoff drought, it seems as if the Thousand Oaks boys’ volleyball team is heading for an oasis.

Led by a still-young but now experienced collection of returning starters from last year’s team, the Lancers have galloped off to a 5-1 overall record and a 2-0 start in league, including a combined 6-0 effort over Agoura and Moorpark. Last night, the team was on the road in a critical early-season match against Westlake.

Junior setter Trevor Neff said the atmosphere around Lancer practices as of late has been one of energy and excitement as players realize that for the first time in recent history T.O. has a fighting chance to contend for the program’s second league title (the first and only came in 1994).

"This year it’s been a lot easier for us to want to go out and compete because we know the high levels we can reach when we play our best. We know we can win every match we’re in," Neff said. "We know T.O. doesn’t have the best volleyball tradition, but we want to see that change. And we all know we have the talent to do it."

Head coach Yariv Lerner, who’s in his second full season with the boys’ team (he’s coached the girls for the past five years), said his squad has benefited greatly from the experience many of them got last year as sophomores, when the team went .500 (7-7) in Marmonte.

"Last season, I took it as preparation for this season, and even though we didn’t do that well in the beginning, I think it really paid off in the second half," Lerner said. "Now we have a lot of those guys back and playing at a higher level, and so far, we’ve beaten everyone who beat us last year."

In addition to its victories over Agoura and Moopark, T.O. also has non-league wins over San Marcos, Ventura and Oak Park. The Lancers only loss came to Div. IV Oaks Christian, which is still undefeated.

Though things are still early and tougher competition lies ahead, Lerner said T.O. already has many pieces to the puzzle—now it’s just about putting them together.

"Everybody’s got their pick in Marmonte," Lerner said. "I’m going to go with our team."

The Lancers are anchored on the outside by a deep group of hitters known to punish the ball when given the opportunity. Returning starters 6-2 Jason Spangler and 6-3 Cole Reinholm lead the way for this versatile attack, with guys like returner Trevor Snyder and sophomore newcomer Trevor Van Uden also available when needed. Basketball star-turned volleyballer Sean Taxter, who makes up for in leaping ability what he lacks in game experience, is the wildcard of the group.

"After years of pleading with him to play he finally agreed," Lerner said of Taxter, a junior. "He’s going to do real well for us, and we’ll have him for another year."

While they might not have that one star player like Simi Valley’s Ian Jackson, the Lancers feel their strength lies in numbers. When one guy gets covered or starts to struggle, there’s another guy chomping at the bit to come in and make something happen at the net.

"The amazing part of this team is we can run four different plays at one time and trick out the block every time because we have so many guys we can go to," Spangler said. "We’re not going to have one guy get 20 kills every night. We’re a team with a lot of good, unselfish hitters who just want to see anybody score who can help the team . . . I think our depth makes us very dangerous."

T.O. has also benefited from a consistent and hard working setter who has both varsity and club experience. For Neff, this season is about enjoying the ride, and not letting the Lancers settle for second best when the top prize is there for the taking.

"Every practice is better and harder as guys get more excited about winning," Neff said. "I feel like we are getting better every time we play and each game we go into with new confidence that we can do well."

As for the guys he’s setting up for the scores, Neff said he wouldn’t pick any other group in Marmonte than the one he‘s got.

"Cole (Reinholm) and Jason (Spangler) are obviously the top hitters in our league, but not only do we have them but we have Trevor Snyder," Neff said. "It’s makes my job easy. When one player is off I can easily switch to another and boost his confidence. It’s a good cycle of talented guys."

Other key contributors this season are: Bryce Furlong (middle blocker), J.P. Rohde (defensive specialist), Steven Pate (middle blocker) and Jordan Lindgren (defensive specialist), another capable outside hitter who’s had to commit to a new position because of T.O.’s loaded lineup.

"He’s always been a good passer and digger, but my main problem, is finding him opportunities to use his other good skills, like hitting," Lerner said of Lindgren. "But he’s a real team player. He’s happy to just be playing. . . . But I’d like to see him get to hit some."

After taking on Westlake last night, the Lancers have two weeks off for Spring Break before resuming April 6th at home against Simi Valley. Until then, T.O. will continue to work hard in practice knowing that rewards my lie ahead in the road.