A MINOR SPORT IS MAJOR TO VALENCIA.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson

In high school volleyball, there isn't nearly the hype you see in football, basketball and baseball _ not much in the way of Internet message boards, massive crowds, TV exposure, etc. _ but such anonymity has never bothered Valencia's boys' team.

They're too busy winning matches, including an 18-0 record this season and 49 consecutive Foothill League victories since 2001. Over the past five years, Valencia has reached a section final in either Div. I or Div. II every season, winning two championships with three runners-up.

"Oh, it's definitely a minor sport. Volleyball will never be high-profile," coach Mark Knudson said. "There's a separate volleyball culture that recognizes our team's talent and accomplishments, but volleyball will never be about the notoriety or being the big man on campus. Our kids play because they love the sport, and these days that's pretty unique.

"Everyone has played volleyball at some point in their life, whether it's at a picnic or a CIF championship match, and I think they would all agree it's a fun sport. There aren't a lot of accolades. It's a sport that has its own rewards, and it's just fun."

Knudson, 39, has been with the program since 2002, which means he's never lost a league match heading into the next contest against Saugus on April 25. He played four years at UCLA, then worked six years as an assistant for the Bruins, so he knows good volleyball when he sees it. And he likes what he sees.

"If you don't have much background in the sport, you might not realize there's a lot going on besides one guy at a time hitting the ball," Knudson said. "There's a lot of movement without the ball, and everyone is adjusting all the time."

There are tangible rewards. Valencia seniors Teddy Goetz and Sean Kevin Ker are headed to UCLA on scholarships, and Sean Carter is expected to sign with Cal State Northridge. Stephen Cornelius and Ryan Worth plan to continue their volleyball careers at Pierce College.

--Nearly a year after Valencia High's heartbreaking 2-0 softball loss to Royal in the Southern Section Div. I championship game, the Vikings continue to chase their nemesis. Valencia (12-1) is No. 7 in Cal-Hi Sports' state rankings, while Royal (7-0) is No. 1.

Both teams have returned key pitchers. Valencia's Jordan Taylor, a junior, is 12-1 with a 0.22 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 95 innings.

Royal's Rebecca Heteniak and Jessi Waers have yet to allow an earned run in a combined 51 innings.

--Rosters are expected to be finalized this week for 10th annual East-West High School All-Star Game at 3:30 p.m. June 11 at Birmigham High in Lake Balboa.

A large group of players from Santa Clarita are expected to participate, according to even organizer Bill Speer.

The coaches are Ben McEnroe of Chaminade of West Hills and Russ Gordon of Campbell Hall of North Hollywood. Information: [phone].