The Westlake High girls' tennis players don't have to look very far for inspiration this season.

Just a quick glance through the windscreen at their head coach Connie Flanderka is enough incentive to keep fighting.

Flanderka has always instilled the will to scratch and claw for every point in her teams during her 31 seasons at Westlake.

It's the same spirt she's using now to battle cancer.

Her players showed the message is clearly getting through on Wednesday as the Warriors defeated visiting Moorpark 76-73 in games after the teams tied 9-9 in sets.

Behind a strong performance in doubles, Westlake (6-4, 4-2) handed Moorpark (7-4, 4-1) its first Marmonte League loss while remaining in the thick of the hunt for a playoff berth.

"Flanderka always repeats it over and over — no matter what, don't ever give up," Westlake senior Rachel Bitter said. "To her, it's not as much technical out there. It's more about attitude. She really believes that."

Flanderka was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma last April, and wasn't sure if she would continue coaching.

Her initial prognosis was three months to live, but a second opinion considerably brightened her outlook.

"If I can control it, the doctor said I can live a long healthy life," Flanderka said. "He said he plans on me being around a long time with a good attitude."

Although the chemotherapy treatments drained her of energy, Flanderka didn't want to abandon her nine seniors and the sport she loves.

"The doctor said At some point I might tell you it's not the best decision for you because of your health,' " she said. "But psychologically, he says it's fine to continue working until that might happen."

The cancer may leave Flanderka fatigued by mid-afternoon, but it hasn't sapped her competitive spirit.

As usual, she was moving around the courts on Wednesday, cheering for her players and tracking scores.

She devised the strategy of stacking her doubles lineup, and the Warriors came through by winning 8 of 9 matches.

Bitter and freshman partner Chaya Boks swept their sets as did Alexandra Bass and Taylor Medlock.

Bass and Medlock rallied from down 4-1 and 5-2 in the tiebreaker to beat Chrissy Jacobs and Keiko McNamara 7-6 (5).

"The adrenaline was pumping and it allowed us to fight our way back," Bass said. "We took it one point at a time. That was our entire focus, and it worked."

Kristina Eisenbrand and Zoe Sophos kept it tight for Moorpark by sweeping in singles.

Once they realized Westlake had squeaked out the win, Daniela Koss and Bitter executed a celebratory mid-air chest bump.

"This win was awesome. I knew we could pull it out," Bitter said. "Our team doesn't give up or at least we try not to. We have the personality and attitude to keep pushing."

It's doesn't take long to locate the source.

"It was exciting to see that passion and that want from the girls," Flanderka said. "It makes all those hours worthwhile. These girls really deserve this win. It's all about them."

At some point, it may have to be just about Flanderka. But until that time comes, she will be at the courts carrying her clipboard and fighting spirit.

"I never stop wanting to be out here and wanting to win," she said. "The day I get that way is the day I walk away."