VALENCIA VOLLEYBALL IS AREA'S LONE TOP SEED.

Byline: Erik Boal

Special to the Daily News

Valencia, Viewpoint of Calabasas and Oaks Christian of Westlake Village are used to being the top boys' volleyball teams in their respective divisions, combining for nine Southern Section championships in the past five seasons.

But only one of them will begin their quest for a title this year as the No. 1 seed.

Valencia (30-2), ranked No.3 nationally by Student Sports Volleyball and Rivals.com, earned the top seed in Div. II and will play host Thursday or Friday against Irvine (12-6). The Vikings are seeking their fourth title in six seasons.

Oaks Christian (17-4), a three-time champion in Div.IV, and three-time Div. V winner Viewpoint (25-7) open the postseason as underdogs, both receiving the No. 2 seed.

Oaks Christian could be headed for a third showdown with top-seed Oak Park (16-1) in the May 24 championship match. The Lions swept their Tri-Valley League rival in the 2006 final at Westlake High.

The Eagles defeated Oaks Christian twice in the regular season, the latter a five-game victory April 15 at Oak Park.

Although Viewpoint swept Salesian in last year's Div. V final, the Mustangs (20-0) received the top seed this season. That should serve as pthe ideal motivation for the Patriots, who competed against the toughest regular-season schedule in program history.

"We feel we are right where we need to be," Viewpoint coach Mike Talamantes said. "We have the most complete team we've had here in four years, which has allowed us to play an almost extensive Div.I schedule because we have effective weapons at every position."

After reaching the Div. III semifinals last year, Quartz Hill (21-0) is looking to join its area counterparts in reaching a title match. The Golden League champions, the No. 2 seed, enter the postseason with a lot of confidence after capturing the Crescenta Valley tournament title April 26.

Highland of Palmdale (14-2) received the No. 4 seed in Div. III.

Marmonte champion Royal of Simi Valley (17-3) faces Fountain Valley (23-10) in its Div. I opener. Loyola (21-4) received the No. 3 seed in Div. I.

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