Zuziak said there's no reason Westlake shouldn't compete for a CIF championship, a title the program has never won. "One of our goals is to ultimately win CIF," Zuziak said. "That's way down the road, but it's still there." Westlake boys' volleyball coach Doug Magorien likes to keep things in perspective.

Yes, the Warriors entered the week with a 12-2 overall record and were a perfect 8-0 in the Marmonte League. And yes, Westlake has twice defeated the defending league champion Thousand Oaks Lancers this season.

During Monday afternoon's practice session, however, Magorien opted against declaring his team the Marmonte's finest volleyball squad, at least not yet.

"Initially, when the season started off, I didn't think we were going to be the top team in league," Magorien said. "In fact we aren't right now, not until the league is over.

"Although we've had some big wins this year, we're only halfway through our season," the coach said. "A stumble here and there and we could be back where we started from."

Currently ranked No. 7 in the CIF-SS Division I coaches' poll, the Warriors have been a high-energy unit since the season started.

Westlake's practice sessions are intense, with red-kneed players flying all over the court to dig loose balls while the big guys inside pound down ferocious kills.

The passionate practice sessions give the team confidence. Westlake players say they enjoy taking opponents to five games because no matter what the circumstances may be, they're convinced they'll always be the fittest team on the floor.

WHS has won all four of its five-game matches so far.

"We like to win in five (games)," senior opposite R.J. Storm-Larsen said. "We're one of the fittest teams out there, and that's why we can beat anyone."

During the early part of its league schedule, Westlake was blowing away the competition. In consecutive Marmonte matches, the Warriors defeated Newbury Park, Agoura, Simi Valley, Moorpark and Calabasas, all without dropping a game.

Since the hot streak to start league play, WHS has survived close calls against Royal and Thousand Oaks.

"The way we're sitting right now, even if we drop one to Royal, we're still in good shape to win league because everyone else has two losses," Magorien said.

From the starters to the reserves, Magorien credits the entire Warrior roster for the team's success. According to the coach, Westlake's standouts include outside hitter Joey Zuziak, middle blocker Adrian Guthals, setter Josh Howley, libero Jordan Craig and Storm-Larsen.

Zuziak's a team leader who's getting looks from Division I college programs, Howley's the Warriors' hardest worker and Guthals has been the best middle man in the league, Magorien said.

"(Guthals) is the guy that has surprised every team we've played so far," Magorien said. "He's the best middle in the league. There are some good middles here, but he's the most dominant guy."

Although they may not have entered the season as league favorites, Westlake is on top of the standings for a reason, Zuziak said.

"We are where we are because we work hard," Zuziak said. "Our team has stamina to go the entire five games. We have good practices with talented players that all played club. And we'll do anything to win."

Westlake last won a league championship in 2004. It was the third Marmonte title in the program's history.

With a nice cushion in the standings and a favorable schedule on the horizon, bringing the league championship back to Warrior Country-a goal the squad set for themselves before the season began-shouldn't be a tough task, Storm-Larsen said.

If the Warriors can improve their defense and the team's five seniors continue to lead by example and play at a high level, Westlake senior outside hitter Joey
Zuziak bumps a ball during Monday's practice session. Zuziak
has been one of the Warriors best players this season, said head
coach Doug Magorien. WHS entered the week with a 12-2 record. JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers