CHARGE THE NET—Devon Montgomery of La Reina chases down a shot during a non-league match Tuesday against Camarillo. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers Give the ladies their due.

Many talented student-athletes excel for Oak Park, Oaks Christian and La Reina high schools.

There are a plethora of strong girls’ teams in volleyball, cross country, tennis and golf.

The Acorn attempted to contact every local Tri-Valley League girls’ coach; only a few coaches did not return multiple phone calls.

Here’s a closer look at how the area’s TVL teams are shaping up early in the season:

VOLLEYBALL

Most years, Tri-Valley girls’ volleyball standings are crowded at the top like the final frantic gallops of the Kentucky Derby.

This time, La Reina and Oaks Christian are the undisputed leaders of the pack. Oak Park is in the mix for a playoff berth, too.

“La Reina and Oaks Christian are clearly the two favorites,” said Eagles head coach Patrick Quinn.

“They’re big, quick and athletic. They’re clearly the two teams to beat. There’s a fight for third place.”

Oak Park holds its own despite inexperience and a lack of size along the front row.

“When we pass well, we’re a lot more consistent. It all starts with the pass,” Quinn said.

“We serve well. My setters are not very big but they’re quick. . . . We just have to keep getting better on defense and with passing.”

Carly Silliman, an athletic senior outside hitter, is a top attacker. A softball standout, Silliman jumps out of the gym.

Dani Messina gets every ounce of skill from her 5-foot-4 frame at outside hitter.

Senior Jamie Domke and junior Erin Matsumato, a basketball player, patrol setter for OPHS.

The Eagles are working on cleaning up mistakes and playing more consistent volleyball.

Oaks Christian head coach George Hees likes what he’s seen from his charges, especially after they won all nine bouts at the San Luis Obispo Tournament earlier this month.

“We have a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” Hees said. “We’re a well-balanced team. We have some good chemistry on the court.”

Ranked No. 4 in this week’s CIF-Southern Section Division 2-AA coaches’ poll, the Lions are stout defensively. They keep the ball alive while patiently waiting for the ripe opportunity to strike.

Nicole Leonard, a senior outside hitter and captain, is hitting the ball well and playing great defense, the coach said.

Middle blocker Madison Howard is an offensive and defensive force at the net. She’s a clutch player who delivers under pressure.

“We’re happy with the success at the beginning of the season,” Hees said. “We need to keep improving and keep working together.”

La Reina, 5-3 overall at press time, is No. 8 in the Division 2-AA poll.

Katherine Workman has soared to “probably the best start of her career,” said Regents head coach Don Hyatt.

Workman notched 89 kills at the San Luis Obispo Tournament to claim the school record for career kills.

With 151 kills through Monday, Workman was third in the state in the category, according to MaxPreps.com.

“She’s doing a fantastic job with passing, defense and being a team leader and captain,” Hyatt said of the senior outside hitter bound for Boston College.

“She’s doing everything and more that’s expected of a senior.”

Laura Leap, a sophomore middle blocker, has blossomed into a force of nature that makes Hurricane Irene look like a runny nose. Leap has displayed versatility and improvement that Hyatt anticipated from his precocious student-athlete.

Alexa Pouton has stepped up at middle blocker for the hobbling Annalisa Chesser, who has a patella tendon issue in her knee.

Chesser could return by late October or miss the rest of the season, the coach said.

The Regents hope to solidify a consistent rotation with defined roles by the end of the week while building indestructible team bonds.

“ We need to get settled,” Hyatt said. “There’s no way to prepare for every scenario, but we’re trying to be ready for most everything that happens.

“You can’t always foresee every different thing that happens. It’s a crazy game at times.”

TENNIS

La Reina isn’t avoiding tough competition.

The Regents opened the season by battling four Marmonte League foes: Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Agoura and Moorpark.

La Reina defeated the Musketeers but lost to the other three teams.

“A lot of the girls are new to this level,” said head coach Chad Colby. “They’re learning how to win at this level. Beating Moorpark last (weekend) is a big deal. They’re starting to play better.”

Hilary West is the team’s leader. The senior captain, an established tournament player, stars at No. 1 singles for La Reina.

Terra Bjerken, the only other senior on board, can shuffle between No. 2 singles and doubles depending on matchups. She’s become a stronger player mentally, Colby said.

The coach hopes the Regents can reach the postseason and compete with Oaks Christian and Malibu for a league title.

“There’s a little bit more energy on the court,” Colby said.

Like La Reina, Oaks Christian features only two seniors in its varsity lineup.

The Lions, however, boast dedicated athletes with oodles of tournament experience.

“A lot of them are staying committed outside on their own with their own practices and lessons,” said fifth-year head coach Bernadette Perttula, who receives help from her husband, Joel, an assistant coach.

“That’s only going to be benefi cial as the season goes on.”

The Lions haven’t made it out of the second round in the playoffs under Perttula. If they reach the postseason, the coach hopes her charges can pass that hurdle.

Elizabeth Ryan, a sophomore, stars at No. 1 singles. She’s mentally strong and pushes herself to scrap for every point, the coach said.

Freshman Zoe D’Andrea has been a revelation at No. 2 singles.

The youngster has a big forehand and her baseline stroke techniques are compact and efficient, Perttula said.

Seniors Tori Sanford and Bianca Deardorff team up at doubles.

“We’ve connected with the girls on a deeper level than tennis,” Perttula said. “They seem to be extremely receptive to us (coaches).”

CROSS

COUNTRY

La Reina cross country is back.

The Regents are faster, more experienced and ready to make another furious scamper to the state meet after placing second at the CIF-State Championships Division 4 last autumn.

“We’re firing on all cylinders right now,” said head coach Robert Lopez.

Even with senior Rachel Brajkovich nursing a stress fracture in her leg, La Reina is running well as a team. Brajkovich’s sister, Ariana, a freshman, is the league’s top newcomer.

Sophomore Alyssa Frank, junior Jordan Jeworski, sophomore Krista Andreassen and senior Kelly Reinke bolster the starting lineup.

The junior varsity team is also deep and fast, and every athlete in the program is running with purpose.

“For us to be running this fast bodes well for us this year,” Lopez said, “and for years to come.

“In practice they feed off of each other. They all understand the common goal. Everyone understands where we want to be at the end of the season.”

Oak Park hopes to contend with La Reina for a TVL championship.

Sophomore Kendall Engelhardt is the squad’s fastest runner so far. Junior Kelsey Watters and senior Brittany Stalzer are steady and solid for the Eagles.

Courtney Novak, Jenna Wall, Lauren Frey and Katy Hoerman led offseason workouts. Tracy McAlpin, Heather McIntosh, Delany Gove and Mina Winsick provide depth.

“They’re really running well as a team and working hard,” said OPHS head coach Marc Minasian, “and doing all the little things.”

Megan Huning and Kaycee Buckley, both seniors, lead the way for Oaks Christian.

Sophomores Alex Beck and Savannah Andersen, and freshmen Emma Fleming and Marianne Madias are promising newcomers for the Lions, led by 12th-year head coach Wes Smith.

“Our goal is always to get to state,” Smith said, “and make it our best race of the year.”

GOLF

Although this is his first foray coaching high school golf, La Reina head coach Brian Creps has a strong background in the sport.

He’s been a PGA member for 22 years. His father, Ron Creps, coached high school golfers in Springfield, Ore., for 30 years. His brother, Steve, is a PGA professional and instructor.

The Regents, who entered the week 4-1 overall and 2-0 in league outings, are rolling.

Jo Jo Sottile is back for La Reina. The reigning Tri-Valley MVP spent this summer honing her craft at Ventura County Junior Golf Association tournaments.

The junior has been a medalist in 14 of her first 16 league matches.

Freshman Divya Manthena is another Regent to watch.

“They have the potential to be one of the best duos that the county’s ever seen,” Creps said of Sottile and Manthena.

“Time will tell. It’s fun to watch them push each other and make each other better.”

Seniors Mary Pfaff and Celia Sacks and junior Carly Stalnaker support the starting lineup.

“The girls have been wonderful,” Creps said. “They love to compete.”