Hillcrest Christian’s Path Blocked

Team democracy.

Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian High made a name for itself by having its players organize and run girls’ volleyball practices this season.

But the Saints and their system were put to a severe test Saturday when Hillcrest Christian ran into a taller, more experienced team, Hemet Baptist Christian, at the Southern Section Division V-A championship at Cypress College.

As political analysts might say, the result was anarchy.

Top-seeded Hemet Baptist Christian won its second consecutive sectional title with a 15-5, 15-2, 15-13 victory.

Second-seeded Hillcrest Christian (23-2) had trouble mounting an attack, finishing with more hitting errors, 34, than kills, 33.

Baptist Christian (22-0) out-blocked the Saints, 10-0.

“They won off our mistakes,” said senior Jenna Meyers. “I don’t think anything they did won the game. We just didn’t show up for the first two games.”

Meyers, who planned and directed several practices while the Saints underwent a mid-season coaching change, was one of few options for Hillcrest Christian, finishing with 17 kills.

But Baptist Christian countered with a more balanced offense and a defense that was led by 6-foot-3 sophomore ReAnne Lappinga, who had five blocks.

“That was part of our plan, we wanted to get a block up against them,” said Coach Cyndi Klingaman of Baptist Christian.

“I don’t think they’ve seen that all year.”

Kim Haigh had 13 kills for the Saints.

Haigh had trouble with consistency but had seven kills in the third game as the Saints awoke.

But the Warriors ended the match on a kill by Rubie Ochoa.

Hillcrest Christian, playing for a championship in a sport for the first time in its 22-year history, still qualified for the Division V state playoffs, which start Tuesday.

“It’s an accomplishment for our school just to be here,” Meyers said.

“It’s still disappointing, though. We’ll just try to get our hopes up for the state championship.”