Early setback to Westlake gives TOHS boysvolleyball team motivation to improve

From the first match of the season, the Thousand Oaks boys' volleyball team knew things were going to be a little different this time around.

Taking the court as the defending Marmonte League champions for the first time since winning a title in 1994, and without any preseason tournament matches to get the team in game shape, Thousand Oaks lost to rival Westlake in four games during its regular-season opener.

Rather than let the loss linger and affect future results, senior outside hitter Jason Spangler said TOHS used the setback as motivation to improve and make the adjustments necessary to get itself back atop the league standings.

"We want a championship. We're all focused on that," said Spangler, a third-team all-league performer last season. "Getting that Marmonte League championship last year gave us the drive, and with basically everyone coming back to play, winning's expected. We just hope to prove that we can do it again.

"It's been a big fight since the Westlake game," he said. "It's good that we lost. It's making us fight more for that top position, which is really good for us."

Photos by PATRICK SHELBY/Acorn Newspapers MEN AT WORK-Upper right, Thousand Oaks senior Cole Reinholm works on his passing during Monday night's practice session. Above, senior Jason Spangler fine-tunes his digging skills. Prior to last night's match against Moorpark, Thousand Oaks' overall record stood at 9-3. The Lancers were 4-1 in league.

TOHS is currently ranked No. 8 in the CIF-SS Division I poll, slotted just behind No. 7 Westlake. Thousand Oaks' biggest win of the season came against No. 9-ranked Loyola during the Francis Parker Tournament in San Diego.

Lancer head coach Yariv Lerner said he's pleased with the play of his team as it prepares for upcoming tournaments in Las Vegas and Santa Barbara. But, he adds, the squad must continue to work hard and improve defensively during practice if they want to make a run at another league title.

"We've got to fine-tune some of our defensive stuff," Lerner said. "That's what we've been focusing on right now. Our sideout game is pretty good. But defensively we need to be in the right spots at the right times."

Increased focus during Marmonte League matches would also benefit Thousand Oaks, Spangler said.

"We need more intensity," Spangler said. "That's the one thing we're working on-getting some leaders and trying to show intensity. We're just trying to pass through (league) like 'Oh this should be easy,' but Royal's a tough team, Westlake's a real big challenge."

The coach said Spangler has played a major role in the team's success.

"He's probably the best player in our gym right now," Lerner said. "I've been really impressed with him."

Senior opposite Cole Reinholm and setter Trevor Neff have performed well, too, Lerner said.

Spangler said junior libero Trevor Van Uden has taken his game to a new level. Van Uden, a varsity player last season, was hoping to play outside hitter, Spangler said, but because of his ability to track down loose balls, Van Uden is vital to the team at libero.

"He's really stepped up," Spangler said. "He's a good libero. He can pass, pick up any tip. He'll go after any ball."

Thousand Oaks is also benefiting from the presence of basketball players such as senior Sean Taxter and sophomore Cyrus Kiani. Taxter is currently out with an undisclosed injury. Lerner said Taxter's immediate return won't be determined until his exam results are known.

"There's a lot of crossover from one sport to the next," Lerner said. "The jumping, the fast movement, the reaction, the competitive drive, it's all part of these sports. The basketball players bring athleticism to the gym, competitive desire and a lot of toughness."

For the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs, Lerner said his team's focus and ultimate goal will not change.

"Our goal is to play every point to the fullest," he said, "one point at a time."