Balach Goes Out in Style for East Team

Middle blocker Andreja Balach of Royal High had mixed feelings in the 10th annual Ventura County All-Star game at Moorpark College on Friday night.

After all, it probably was the last competitive volleyball match for Balach.

Balach, who will focus on academics at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, ended her career on a memorable note.

She finished with seven kills to spark the East to a 15-11, 12-15, 15-13 victory over the West.

“Most of these players are going to college [to play], but this was my last game,” she said. “So I wanted to make it special.”

Balach was especially impressive in the final game, when she made a brilliant save from behind the service line that she turned into a point.

She also had a kill for the final point.

Also impressive for the East were outside hitter Amanda Kiser of Royal, who had six kills, and Stacey Lee of Westlake with five kills.

The East has a 7-3 advantage in the series.

Lee was impressed by the West, which played well despite no-shows by Krystal McFarland of Buena and Alex Gientke of Ventura.

“I actually thought we’d take it, but it was a very competitive match,” said Lee, who will attend UCLA and hopes to make the team as a walk-on.

In the boys’ game, the East started fast and won, 15-2, 15-11.

The West made it close in the second game, narrowing its deficit to 13-11 before the East responded with the final two points. Jason Lambertson of Simi Valley scored the final point with an ace.

It was the ninth victory in 10 matches for the East.

“We wanted to do well for the East,” said middle blocker Karl Walck from Royal High. “We had to live up to the expectations.”