SHOOT FOR THE MOON—Junior Maddie Lyon led the Westlake High girls’ water polo team in goals during the regular season. IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers The Westlake High girls’ water polo team has pieced together one of the finest regular seasons in program history.

It’s also been one of the toughest.

Westlake has embraced and comforted sophomore attacker Lacey Anderson, whose mother died during the season.

“The girls have been with me every step of the way,” said Anderson, a Thousand Oaks transfer who also suffered a concussion and is currently nursing a broken thumb.

“They’re my best friends, every single one of them.”

Teammates rally around Anderson.

“We all support her a lot and try to help her every way we can,” said junior Maddie Lyon.

“We all have a special bond with her. She knows we’ll always be there for her.”

Without Anderson wreaking havoc in the pool, Westlake (19-10 overall) opens the CIFSouthern Section Division 2 playoffs today at 5 p.m. at San Clemente, the defending section champions.

The Warriors have never advanced to the second round of the postseason.

Fourth-year head coach Farhad Ghaemi and his charges hope to make some history.

“Winning in the Division 2 playoffs is never easy,” Ghaemi said. “The top eight teams, any of them can win. I put ourselves in that mix.”

The Warriors are focused on just one match. They’re eliminating outside distractions, and they refuse to be intimidated by San Clemente’s pedigree.

“We have to realize every team is different every year,” senior Stephanie Barlev said.

“We have to forget what they did last year. We have to take out the emotions.

“Let’s have faith in what we run. Let’s have faith in what we’ve been practicing.”

Anderson, who faced San Clemente in the first round of the 2011 postseason with the Lancers, said the Warriors match up well with the Tritons.

“We have a serious chance of beating them,” said Anderson, a captain and sprinter.

In the water, the Warriors are strong defensively. They stymie foes with a multitude of defensive formations.

Westlake, which finished second in the Marmonte League to Agoura, uses its team speed to make plays during counterattacks.

Barlev is a versatile and talented utility who was elected captain by her teammates.

The senior said she’s marveled at how Ghaemi has invigorated the program. His first team settled for fifth place in the Marmonte.

Barlev said Ghaemi’s the “most passionate person in the program.”

“He embodies Westlake water polo,” said Barlev, who has a background in taekwondo, soccer and basketball. “His passion has gotten him so far. He’s gone to the moon and back for us.

“What he’s done in four years is remarkable.”

Barlev is a valedictorian candidate who tutors teammates and classmates. She’s a leader with the Academic Peer Mentor and OASIS programs on campus.

The senior Warrior spent last summer as an assistant coach for the California Grizzlies water polo youth squads.

Barlev said she turned down offers to play college water polo because her heart’s set on double majoring in biochemistry and pharmacology at UC Santa Barbara, her dream school since she was 7.

“It’s been one of the best experiences of my life,” Barlev said. “I’m not ready to leave this yet. I’m ready to keep it going as long as I can.”

A combo set/guard, Lyon is a force in the water.

The team’s leading scorer, Lyon’s defense improved during the offseason, according to Ghaemi. She’s become a stronger all-around player who racks up assists, steals and blocks while developing a crafty outside shot.

“It’s fun trying a new position and being successful,” Lyon said.

The junior said she’s appreciated being part of the Warriors’ progression.

“We struggled in the beginning. We’re closer now,” Lyon said. “I’m excited to see how far we can get. I think we can beat (San Clemente) and make it to the next round.”

Emily Kerchner is another talented junior.

The combo set/guard is Westlake’s highest-percentage shooter. She’s an intelligent, savvy player whose confidence has blossomed.

Kerchner credited assistant Moriah van Norman, a silver medalist and starting center for the 2008 U.S. Olympic women’s water polo team, for helping develop her skills.

“She brings new knowledge,” Kerchner said of van Norman. “Her enthusiasm matches Farhad’s. It’s nice to have someone that passionate about the game.”

Westlake newcomers Anderson, junior center Whitney Alderman from Cleveland High and freshman Annie Kutt give the squad a boost, Kerchner said.

“Lacey gets the ball rolling,” Kerchner said. “In tough games, Whitney puts the ball in the back of the net. Annie’s always working hard and trying her best.

“They’ve all played a part, and they’ve done great.”

Alderman’s fundamentals dramatically improved this season. She has good drive and a humble attitude, Ghaemi said.

Kutt earned major minutes in the second round of league action. An effective scorer, the freshman Kutt has talent, ability and a strong work ethic, according to teammates and the head coach.

“I’m trying to keep up with the older girls,” Kutt said. “Overall, I’m trying to become better.

“They’re all very nice girls, and it’s a pleasure hanging out with them. I’m glad I’m a part of the team.”

Bri Johnson is a consistent defensive force, Ghaemi said.

Goalies Amanda Meyer, a junior, and freshman Jessica Speicher step up in the cage.

Scarlett Lund-Sidi, Genna Gmeiner, Canelle Irmas, Katie Lang, Savannah Miller, Catherine Sarkis and Veronica Weiss also contribute.

Westlake is ready for the postseason. Whatever happens, this has been a special year for the Warriors. It’s certainly one Anderson won’t forget.

“ The girls are my everything,” Anderson said. “Without them, I don’t know what I’d be doing. This is a great group of girls to be around.”