New Digs Working Out for Magorien at Westlake

Doug Magorien has won three consecutive City Section titles and produced a litany of college volleyball players in 18 seasons of coaching, but he feels very much like a rookie these days.

He is at a different school, one that plays a more challenging schedule in a more difficult league that gives way to a more enduring test in the playoffs.

One thing remains constant: Magorien’s new team is winning a lot more than it loses.

After 17 years at Woodland Hills Taft High, Magorien made the switch to the Southern Section and Westlake Village Westlake. The transition hasn’t been seamless or simple, but the Warriors are 13-1, 5-0 in Marmonte League play.

Magorien is experiencing new rivalries, including a fiery one with Simi Valley Royal, and is adapting to new players who play volleyball on a year-round basis.

Magorien left Taft because he wanted a challenge. He has one.

“Kids never had played volleyball before [at Taft],” Magorien said. “My word was golden. A lot of girls play club volleyball here. Now it’s sometimes like, ‘No, my club coach said to do it like this.’ At times it’s enjoyable, at times it’s difficult. Change isn’t always easy.”

The Warriors are led by setter Brenn Larson, who has committed to Washington State, and Katie Meledy, a hard-hitting senior outside hitter. Larson, who has had three coaches in four seasons at Westlake, values Magorien’s open-mindedness.

“We like it when Coach Magorien teaches us something new, and he’s the first one to admit he can be wrong too,” Larsen said.

“We’re all happy with the success. He has high expectations coming from Taft, but he’s also the first one to congratulate you.”

The Warriors won the Ventura and Royal tournaments, with Larson voted most valuable player each time.

Magorien’s debut against Royal was a four-game victory, on the road no less. “It’s been a little rocky,” Magorien said, “but we’re getting used to each other.”

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Peninsula power: When the season began, there were three reasons for concern at Palos Verdes Peninsula: Jamie Czesak had graduated, a new coach had been hired and Bay League rival Manhattan Beach Mira Costa looked as strong as ever.

But the only concern the Panthers have seen is the worry in opponents’ eyes.

Peninsula, which will play host to Mira Costa Wednesday, has started 14-1 overall and 5-0 in league. Former El Toro coach Mike Jagd has inherited a solid squad led by Celine Nguyen, who has helped ease the loss of Czesak, now at the University of San Francisco.

Keeping tabs: Former Royal middle blocker Sherisa Livingston had a match-high 21 kills for No. 6 Wisconsin in a sweep of No. 10 Ohio State Saturday.

Livingston, a 6-foot-2 senior, had only two hitting errors and finished with a .655 hitting percentage as Wisconsin (12-2, 6-0) took sole possession of first place in the Big Ten.

She also had 18 kills in a sweep of No. 11 Penn State Friday.

“She really elevates her game when the big teams roll around,” Wisconsin Coach Pete Waite said. “That meant a lot for our conference race.”

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Looking ahead: Two league matches highlight the week.

Lake Forest El Toro faces a strong test in a South Coast League match Wednesday at San Clemente.

Thursday, Santa Ana Mater Dei’s offense will be challenged by Lakewood St. Joseph’s traditionally strong defense in a Serra League match at St. Joseph.