Good Thing She Opted To Play Volleyball

By Michael Ashcraft --

Her haul of kills (4) and blocks (2) represents a significant contribution to Lighthouse Christian Academy's volleyball victory Monday over Newbury.

Originally, Karine Keyser wasn't even into volleyball.

"I probably would have not played volleyball, had it not been for Lighthouse," Karine said.

Who else would have filled the middle position? At 5'8", she is one of the tallest girls at Lighthouse.

Lighthouse's tryouts can be described, not without reason, as conscription. You're in the school, you're on the team. That's because LCA only has 45 students.

Only the stubbornest of kids -- who absolutely refuse to leave their comfort zone, who refuse to face and overcome their fears and insecurities -- pass through Lighthouse without setting foot on field or court.

Karine is glad she did. "I came to love it after freshman year," Karine says. "When I joined in freshman year, the way Allie (Scribner) captained the team made it way more fun and enjoyable."

(Allie graduated last year and is now playing for Whittier College.)

Lighthouse unleashed a formidable display of aces, kills and blocks to deny Newbury Park Adventist Academy any opportunity. The Gators went home after three efficient losses: 25-18, 25-17, 25-10.

Nevertheless, the Saints were playing lethargically, below their highest level.

Karine's contribution helped. "Karine is doing well. It's exciting to see her hit the ball the way she has been practicing," said Coach Jessica Young said. "When she blocks the ball, it saves us so much time and energy when she just stops it like that."

With tough tryouts like those at Lighthouse, it is easy to understand why they are undefeated in league play so far this season.

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About this writer: Michael Ashcraft teaches journalism and writing at the Lighthouse Christian Academy of Santa Monica.