Following a four-game victory over Moorpark Tuesday night, the Simi Valley girls’ volleyball team is back in action tonight at home against the firstplace Thousand Oaks Lancers.

Senior Christine Vaughen led the Pioneers with 12 kill-blocks in the match against Moorpark.

Vaughen’s play over the first half of the season has been outstanding, head coach Ryan Meek said, and one of the biggest reasons Simi is currently tied for second place in the Marmonte.

“Without her right now, we’d be a boat without a rudder,” Meek said. “She’s really stepped up big, not just in a prominent playing role, but as a leader. She has really taken us on her shoulders.”

Vaughen said she enjoys her role as a team leader.

“I try to be a positive influence and help keep the other girls mentally focused and not get down on themselves,” Vaughen said.

Senior Megan Metcalf has also performed well, the coach said. Metcalf has played on the varsity team since her freshman year but has yet to make the postseason.

Metcalf said she expects the playoff drought to end this year.

“I’m excited,” Metcalf said. “I play basketball, too, and we’ve to do it in volleyball would be amazing and something that could really turn this program around.”

Tonight’s matchup against Thousand Oaks (9-1, 7-0) should be a litmus test of where the Pioneers (6-2, 4-2) stand against top competition.

The Lancers are currently ranked No. 4 in the CIF-Southern Section Division IA poll and have yet to lose a league match this season. On Tuesday, they easily handled Westlake in three games.

Westlake and Thousand Oaks are the only two Marmonte schools that Simi has lost to thus far.

“We just need to go in with lots of confidence and come out with a lot of energy and stay aggressive,” Vaughen said. “If we can do that, we’ll definitely give T.O. a run for their money.” Metcalf said Simi will have to play their best volleyball of the season to upset Thousand Oaks.

“We know how good they are,” Metcalf said. “But we won’t be scared going into the match.”

Tonight’s match gets underway at 5 p.m. at Simi Valley High School.