Musketeers' roster has championship potential
But girls' volleyball coach says Thousand Oaks remains team to beat
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers TALENTED GROUP- Moorpark junior Rachael Kidder digs out a low ball during Wednesday night's practice at Moorpark High. Kidder, who has already made a verbal commitment to UCLA, is one of many highly skilled players on the Musketeer girls' volleyball team, a group considered the preseason favorite by many to win league.

Early on during Wednesday night's interview with the Moorpark High girls' volleyball team, senior Rachel Olinyk shared a secret.

"We're going to dominate," Olinyk said in a whisper. "We're going to be unbeatable."

For the past two years, Thousand Oaks has been the reigning champion of girls' volleyball in the Marmonte League. With several key players returning for Moorpark, the Musketeers are hoping the time is now for them to take the title away from the Lancers.

While MHS lost one of its key ingredients from last year's team, Chelsea Daley, to graduation, they also return several stars. Head coach Brendan Hanson is hoping that the experienced players can help his team improve on a 20-7 record from last year.

EVERYONE WILL CONTRIBUTE- Moorpark's Lauren Rohach, left, and Taryn Cardiel are playmakers for the Musketeers.

"It's real nice that we have the majority of our team back from last season," Hanson said. "The team does not feel overconfident by any means, but they do seem to be really cohesive."

One of the players returning for the Musketeers is Olinyk, who described this year's team as a closer unit than in the past.

"There's no drama on the team this year like there was in the past," Olinyk said. "More of us connect as friends off the court, and that helps us to connect more on the court."

Another top player returning is Rachael Kidder, who will most likely be playing opposite and outside hitter. Although she still has two more years at Moorpark, Kidder committed to UCLA this past offseason.

"I've been thinking about UCLA a lot actually," Kidder said. "I am preparing to be a key player, and I'm trying to become good all-around, since I don't know where I will play yet at UCLA."

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers

Kidder's teammate and cocaptain, Lindsay Pogemiller, said having a player like Kidder on the team helps tremendously.

"It's just ridiculous that she is already going to UCLA," Pogemiller said, with a laugh.

"She is a great player and a hard worker, and she has earned it. I like that she has already committed to UCLA because it gives this team an image. When people come in to play us, they will be thinking, 'Wow, they have a Division I player on their team.' I think that is a huge intimidation factor for us."

Hanson said Kidder should once again be one of the top players on the Musketeers.

"Rachael is a great player, and what I like about her this year is she has more confidence on the court," Hanson said. "She's been a little more vocal, too, which comes with her becoming a captain this year."

Although Kidder looms large for Moorpark, she's not the only player that should make a difference. Joining Kidder, Olinyk and Pogemiller are returnees Teale McIntosh, Shannon Thompson, Amber Bell and Carli Rudebusch.

"Teale is our libero this year, and her passing has just been absolutely great," Hanson said. "Shannon has been blocking great for us, and she is now hitting the ball harder than I've ever seen her. Her jump serve is on fire, too.

"Rachel (Olinyk) has been really strong for us. I don't know if she has been working out over the offseason or what, but she is a stronger player than ever," the coach said. "Lindsay is just the same as usual. She's playing great and is showing that she's not afraid to throw her body on the floor to get a block."

Hanson said he has also been pleased with the play of senior Amber Bell, adding that she has really come into her own since a great game against Thousand Oaks last year.

Bell agreed with her coach.

"We lost the first two games to Thousand Oaks that night playing a six-two defense, which involves two setters," Bell said. "The last three games we played a five-one, which has just one setter- myself. So after we won I gained a lot of confidence."

Hanson went on to say that newcomers such as Lauren Rohach, Taylor Fredrick, Taryn Cardiel and Kaitlin Priebe should help the team as well. Having Sarah Hagen come back from an injury last year will add depth.

Even though Hanson said many people have come up to him this year to tell him they are the favorite in the Marmonte League, the head coach said he is quick to dismiss those statements.

"Thousand Oaks is the backto-back champion," Hanson said. "Until someone knocks them off, they are the favorite. I think we are going to have a successful year, but there is still work to be done."

Kidder said if the team continues to trust each other on the court, they should be fine.

"Communication is a big key," Kidder said. "That and our passing will be the keys if we want to be league champions."

Moorpark plays Sept. 11 at Dos Pueblos, with game time set for 6:30 p.m. The Musketeers begin league play on Sept. 18 at home against Simi Valley.