Volleyball: Oak Park needs to prove itself

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If Oak Park wants to prove it’s worthy of its ranking in this week’s Southern Section Division III-AA coaches’ poll and show Tri-Valley League rival Oaks Christian it means business this year, it’s going to have to beat a talented Royal team on Friday.

Last month, the Eagles kicked off their season in fine fashion by winning five consecutive matches, but since then, haven’t really pulled off any surprises. Sure, they’re looking good for a postseason berth, but they’ve faltered against some of the division’s elite teams -- La Reina and Westlake can attest to that.

Freshman Rachel Gam has been a revelation and fellow outside hitter Alyssa del Sesto has also provided lots of kills for the Eagles.

But Royal has got some big-time weapons of its own. Outside hitter Una Siljegovic had 24 kills in the Highlanders’ five-game loss to Marmonte League front-runner Thousand Oaks last week. Kathleen Wright, only a sophomore, also brings a killer instinct to the court for Royal.

My gut says Royal could take this one handily, but Oak Park has the talent to make a match out of it.

- Austin Knoblauch