Boys’ volleyball: Granada Hills’ title reign ends in semifinals

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There will be a new City Section champion this season and, for the first time in a decade, it could be a team from outside the San Fernando Valley.

Palisades defeated two-time defending champion Granada Hills, 13-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-22, in Tuesday night’s semifinal and will play El Camino Real for the title at 5 p.m. Saturday at Cal State Northridge.

The loss snapped Granada Hills’ 13-match playoff win streak dating back to the first round in 2006. The visiting Highlanders didn’t surrender their championship easily. Trailing, 24-18, they fought off four match points before an awkward kill attempt sailed long.

Some quick stats...

Kene Izuchukwu had 10 kills and Noah Kauss added nine for the Dolphins, who turned the match around with their defense beginning in the second game. Jordan Cohen had 17 digs and Matt Hanley added 12 for Palisades. Joe Randis had 16 kills to lead the Highlanders.

-- Steve Galluzzo