FALL SPORTS NOTEBOOK: ROYAL POLO TEAM A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

Byline: Heather Gripp Daily News Staff Writer

A case of the flu has kept Steve Snyder down recently, but the play of his Royal High boys' water polo team has done wonders for lifting his spirits.

Snyder feared the 17-time defending Marmonte League champions could be in for a down year with only one returning varsity player. The Highlanders, however, produced respectable results at the Roland and Riverside Poly tournaments as well as last week's win over Buena. Royal moved up to No. 4 in the Division IV poll and is the only team from the league ranked in the top 10.

``They've shown some real tendency to be overachievers,'' Snyder said.

Sophomore goalkeeper Tom Onyshko is at the heart of the Highlanders' success. ``He's probably, for his age and the level he's at, one of the best we've ever had,'' Snyder said. ``He's just gifted. He's done outstanding.''

Royal competes in the San Luis Obispo tournament this weekend before starting league Wednesday against Agoura.

Right direction: Coach Adam Gruner shook up the Calabasas High boys' water polo roster and is encouraged with the recent results.

The Coyotes earned their first win of the season, 7-2 over Oxnard at last weekend's Calabasas tournament. In another tournament game, the Coyotes lost a rematch with Westlake, but the 7-5 score was an improvement from the 19-8 loss the week before.

``There's been a lot of moving people up and down, seeing who's ready and who's not,'' Gruner said. ``With so many new players on varsity maybe I was a little misguided as to who was ready.''

Among the moves was the switch of Mike Blumenfeld to goalkeeper starting with the Oxnard game.

``We needed to change things around,'' Gruner said. ``Any time you only give up two goals, it's a good game.''

Other keys in the victory included Gene Broussard's three goals and Yuvaz Zimerman's solid defense.

The Coyotes get another chance to tune up for league play when they participate in the El Segundo tournament.

Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks are among others participating in the tournament that ends today. While Newbury Park has struggled early, seniors Jeff Alderson, Mike Schermer and Scott Wison have helped Thousand Oaks overcome its inexperience and remain competitive. The Lancers beat Notre Dame 12-8 Wednesday with the trio accounting for all 12 goals.

``I don't expect to win all our games,'' Gruner said, ``but if we can win one or two and go into league with a couple wins under our belt, I'll be happy.

``I'm really pleased with the way we've played the last few games. With league starting next week, I'd like to keep that going.''

No double trouble: The Simi Valley girls' tennis team entered Friday's match against Santa Barbara with a perfect 6-0 record in large part because of the play of its doubles teams. The Pioneers No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams both improved to 18-0 after sweeping Newbury Park on Thursday.

Its overall strength, however, is what makes Simi Valley a favorite to win the Marmonte League title. ``Last year we really relied on doubles,'' coach Robert Wickwire said. ``It was doubles and Mindy (Gondrez). Now we're well rounded.

``The experience helps.'' The Pioneers have 10 seniors and seven of nine players back from last year's team.

Nice start: Seniors Kelly Struyck and Sara Pederson have led the Thousand Oaks girls' golf team to a 4-1 start in its inaugural season.

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Photo

PHOTO Thousand Oaks senior Jeff Alderson, right, guarded by Pat Stringer of Notre Dame, has helped his team overcome its inexperience.

Phil McCarten/Daily News