For the first time in three years Moorpark’s Lady Raiders ranked 19 in state are returning to the playoffs after an excellent regular season.

The team is defensivly strong and has the strength in other areas to make a deep push in the postseaso,n and their winning 9-2 Western State Conference record as of Nov. 18 speaks for itself.

The team has faced obstacles left and right all season long but has not stalled once.

Setter Lauren Burt has been lost for the season with a knee injury, but Freshmen Noelle Chodak has very much stepped up into the role. Chodak averaged eight assists per set. There have been no problems in the offense with the unfortunate setter transition.

Moorpark was off to a bumpy start in 2014 out of conference play, opening against Irvine Valley, and Golden West. Both were strong playoff teams last season. Moorpark fell in both of these games in a 0-3 sweep.

“We are definitely going to have more battles,” said Burt. “But if we keep getting better and pushing harder I think the (season’s) result will be in our favor.”

Moorpark would also participate in two tournaments, the Lady Raiders finished sixth and fourth.

The Lady Raiders then began Conference play dominating the WSC North shaking off the squad’s bumpy start.

“Our team is succeeding because we believe in not only ourselves, but most importantly each other,” said Chodak.

The statsitics speak for themselves along with the team’s impressive conference record. Melissa Brueckner is ranked top 5 in the WSC with a .304 hitting percentage leading this offensive powerhouse.

The addition of huge weapons Mariana Kedzia and Olivia Hoelker at outside deepen this team’s offensive power. Kedzia and Hoelker have combined for 313 kills this season.

The offense feeds off Moorpark’s excellent defense led by libero Kendall Jacobsen who does it all, including giving opposing hitters migraines, averaging five digs per set, tied for third In conference play. Kedzia follows right behind with four. The team is fourth in the state, averaging 20 digs per set.

Moorpark’s serving statistically is atop all WSC play as well as a top three best in state averaging three serving aces per set, totaling 209 aces this season.

The team has a strong equation of great coaching, studying opponent’s game film and having a new strong game plan for every game success.

“Our team is pretty strong this year,” said Brueckner earlier this season. “When we are working together and playing as a unit at 100 percent, there is no doubt we can beat anyone in the conference.”

The team has not made a post-season appearance since 2011. The way Moorpark has been playing, a deep playoff run would not be a surprise. The team is confident entering the playoffs.

“We will be very difficult to beat (when sticking to the team’s game plan),” said Hoelker. “(We) could very possibly go all the way.”

The 2014 Lady Raider squad is ranked 19 in the state of Calfornia, and are in the top five several statistical categories.

With a powerful squad, the Lady Raider squad looks to dominate the 2014 post-season after a two year absence, and win their first ever State Championship.