Goofy-footed

By Michael Ashcraft --

Right-handed Antonella Frausto iced nine serves in a row to power Lighthouse's win over Newbury Park's Adventist Academy Thursday, despite her footwork being that of a leftie.

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"It's just a habit I have since I was young," the freshman said. "I feel like it helps me serve line really good. A lot of people told me to fix it."

LCA finished off the Gators in three straight sets -- 25-12, 26-24, 25-7 -- at Penmar Recreational Center.

See ya later, alligator.

Antonella is training for libero. This is how Lighthouse maintains league dominance, by filling in positions before they become vacant.

"It's my dream come true for her to play libero," said Coach Jessica Young.

For the moment, Riley Gonzalez is libero. She's a junior. Antonella is potentially her replacement.

But her serves...

"She's serving with the footwork of a leftie," Young said. "She did a good job. She's an all-around good player. Her serve is great because her timing is good and because she's strong. But her footwork is a little bit off."

Lighthouse legend Allie Scribner -- who raised the Saints to League dominance a few years back before graduating and playing college volleyball -- also fired with the backwards stance.

(The skateboarders who put their right foot forward on the board and the left foot back are said to be goofy footed.)

"Antonella is consistent," coach said.

Lighthouse let off the gas in set #2. When Newbury closed in hoping to snatch an unlikely win, LCA relaxedly finished them off.

Team captain Shayla Papik never gets nervous. She was setting and hitting, saving balls, smashing serves, per usual.

The strongest hitter in the league, Jillian Jenkins was slamming down the hammer. Just to return one of her hits is cause of celebration.

Then there were other hits that you just watched pass you. No hope to return.

Newbie Kallie McKinney, another freshman, was powerful in serving and with hits at the net.

Lighthouse is probably the tallest team on average in the CIF Omega League.

Related content: Unwelcome win over Glendale Adventist, Lighthouse SEALs win over Highland Hall, Hypersonic win over Beacon Hill.

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