FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS : Taft Runners Claim Title in West Valley

The Taft High cross-country team clinched the West Valley League title Thursday by defeating Chatsworth, 17-35, at Pierce College.

The Toreadors are 5-0 in league. The Chancellors fell to 4-1.

Finishing first for Taft was sophomore Marlon Rodriguez, who set a personal best in the three-mile course with a time of 16:15. Rodriguez was followed 15 seconds later by Chatsworth’s Greg Bettinger.

Taft’s next three runners were juniors Rod Braunthal (16:50) and Mark Spraque (17:02), and sophomore Eric Kobrine, 17:06.

The Chatsworth soccer team, led by goalie Eduardo Meza, recorded its fourth shutout in the West Valley League, defeating Taft, 8-0.

Edgar Carpio, Dave Pazsoldan and Torben Pedersen each scored two goals for the Chancellors, who lead the league with a 6-0 record.

The Toreadors fell to 0-5-1.

In other West Valley League soccer matches, John Markoe scored three goals in the second period to lead Granada Hills to a 6-3 victory over Canoga Park.

Ian Kleiger scored the only Highlander goal in the first period as Granada Hills trailed 3-1 at half.

Ken Blakeman scored early in the second half for the Highlanders, who are now 4-2, as goalie Derik Hanson shut out the Hunters. Kleiger scored once more in the last half.

Louisville shut out Antelope Valley in the first round of the Southern Section 2-A Division girls tennis playoffs by winning all 18 sets.