Royal Sets Aside Distractions to Beat Agoura in First-Place Battle

They were coming off the worst practice of the season. One of their best players watched from the bench. And their opponent was Agoura High, two-time defending Marmonte League champion.

No sweat for the members of the Royal girls’ volleyball team, which defied all of the above Thursday and defeated Agoura, 13-15, 15-10, 15-9, 10-15, 15-13, at Royal.

The Highlanders received clutch performances from juniors Carrie Swartz (18 kills) and Nikki Guerra (eight solo blocks), easing the absence of Michelle Lampkin, sidelined because of strained ligaments in her left knee.

“This match says it all,” said Swartz, who was instrumental in a fifth-game run that turned an 8-5 deficit into a 12-8 lead.

The Chargers (4-1, 3-1 in league play) started strong in the fifth game when standout middle blocker Maegan Thomas (18 kills, seven blocks) threw down two blocks and a kill.

But the Highlanders (5-1, 4-0) reasserted control and took over sole possession of first place for the first time since 1991 and beat Agoura for the first time since ’92.

“We had probably our worst practice of the year on Wednesday,” Royal Coach Bob Ferguson said.

“This wins means big stuff.”