City Section Playoffs : Birmingham, Van Nuys Ousted in Girls’ 3-A Volleyball Semifinals

Both Birmingham and Van Nuys highs were eliminated in the semifinals of the 3-A Division girls’ volleyball playoffs Wednesday night at Venice High.

Lincoln defeated Van Nuys, 14-16, 15-6, 15-8, 15-9. Garfield held off Birmingham, 15-11, 15-7, 8-15, 13-15, 17-15.

The Braves (10-5), co-champions of the Mid-Valley League, were led by Sacha Klein with 21 kills and Monica Chavez, who had 17 kills and 7 blocks.

“We didn’t expect to win, but we should have won,” Klein said. “Our team is used to fighting. . . . We always fight to the last point.”

Garfield plays Lincoln (20-8) on Saturday at UCLA for the championship.

Behind the hard-hitting of freshman Kathy Ham, Lincoln, seeded No. 1, charged through Van Nuys (12-9) after dropping the first game.