Boys’ volleyball: Forrest hopes Palisades makes it a clean sweep

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Chris Forrest enjoyed quite a debut as head coach of the Palisades girls’ volleyball team in the fall, earning coach-of-the-year honors and leading the Dolphins to their 24th City Section championship.

He begins his second season with the boys’ program hoping last November’s success carries over into May. Since the Dolphins’ last boys’ title in 1998, San Fernando Valley teams have dominated. The top five seeded teams in last year’s playoffs were all from the Valley. Palisades was seeded 15th and got swept by eventual runner-up Taft in the quarterfinals.

This season, with five starters returning, Forrest has loftier expectations. ‘We should be seeded way higher -- at least in the top 10,’ he said. ‘I think we’re better, but we have to go out and prove it.’

tThe Dolphins got off to a promising start, beating Carson, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18 in Monday’s season opener. Opposite hitter Kene Izuchukwu led the way with 11 kills and Matt Hanley added eight kills, three blocks and two aces for Palisades.

Forrest sees Palisades and reigning champ Venice battling for first place in the Western League, although Hamilton could challenge. ‘I think Chatsworth is the team to beat overall but as far as our league goes, Hamilton could be the big surprise.’

-- Steve Galluzzo