University Beats Chatsworth to Win 4-A Volleyball Title

The banner that hung above the University High rooting section Friday night at Pepperdine’s Firestone Fieldhouse read, “Valleyball (sic) won’t cut it!”

It took 2 hours 45 minutes to prove it was correct, but just barely, as University defeated Chatsworth, 9-15, 15-13, 12-15, 15-8, 15-8, to win the City 4-A volleyball championship.

“I thought we’d either win it in three or they would win it in three,” University Coach Neil Newman said. “I’ll be honest with you, I think they got a little tired at the end.”

Both teams were dragging a bit by the end of the match that University middle blocker Greg Spector ended with a block of Larry Fernandez’s spike attempt.

It was the third City title for University (14-5),which also won championships in 1975 and 1985. Chatsworth (14-4) came up empty in the City final for the third year in a row.

Granada Hills High School, the defending City 3-A champion, defeated Bell, 15-5, 15-12, 11-15, 15-5, to retain its title.