Napoleon's cannoneers

By Michael Ashcraft --

See ya later, alligator.

The Newbury Park Gators were overwhelmed by Saints firepower in three sets Tuesday at Oakwood Recreational Center.

"We started off really strong, we were meeting all of our goals. We only missed one serve in the first game," said Coach Jessica Young. "We were trying to do strategic plays and adapt to different teams."

Lighthouse Christian Academy of Santa Monica neutralized the Gators with three killshots: 25-7, 25-8, 25-23.

Napoleon Bonaparte was famous for winning battles with his gunnery sighting. It seems like Lighthouse has taken lessons from him: Hard hits. Unsparing serves.

The balls fly like screaming iron laying waste to opposing troops. Newbury Park Adventist Academy looked hapless, as did most teams Lighthouse has faced this year in rout after rout. LCA is rocking the league.

As it gears up for playoffs, the team is employing different strategies and different players. As it dominated games 1 and 2, the Saints put in second string players and set secondary hitters.

Ariana Erickson, a freshman with no previous volleyball experience, who only played volleyball because of a "pinky promise" with a fellow student, got in and did some damage.

"It was a lot of fun," Ari the Ferrari said.

Ari's contributions showcase what Lighthouse offers: Whether it be football, soccer or volleyball, if you want to play, you won't be cut from the team. You will get in the game and learn a sport.

Secondary players featured: Karine Keyser, Liyat Belay, Lucy Young and Riley Gonzalez got a chance to hit. Keziah Mendez got in to pass balls from the back row.

Anytime Lighthouse wanted to just kill the play, they set Dahlia Gonzalez up for the hit. Her well-aimed mortars crashed with the force of bowling ball striking bowling pins. Speculation has even arisen that she has broken the sound barrier.

When Flower Power's hit smacks the floor boards, teams blink unbelievingly and with resignation, as if to say, Well, that was unreturnable. If they manage do to return one, they cheer wildly at the feat.

The Saints are undefeated this season.

Read more about LCA volleyball: the Jill Chills (Game 1). Sharp shooter Shayla (Game 2), No return policy (Game 3) , Abigail is Elsa (Game 4), God Balls (Game 5), Little girl beat up big boy (Game 6), Craziah for Keziah (Game 7) Flower power (Game 8), Xie xie Shay (Game 9), One in a Jillian (Game 10).

About this writer: Mike Ashcraft teaches journalism at the Lighthouse Christian Academy private high school of Santa Monica.