HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP : Taft’s Volleyball Team Outlasts Granada Hills

Taft High’s volleyball team overcame a 2-1 deficit in games to post a 15-10, 11-15, 7-15, 15-12, 15-10 victory over Granada Hills in a Northwest Valley Conference showdown Wednesday at Taft.

The Toreadors improved to 9-1, 6-1 in conference play, their only loss coming against Chatsworth. Granada Hills, which also lost to Chatsworth, dropped to 8-2 and 4-2.

“We realized we were a good team two weeks ago when we finished second in the Palisades tournament,” Taft Coach Doug Magorien said. “But I thought we almost were still on vacation today (coming back from spring break).”

Magorien was referring to Taft’s lackluster play midway through the match. After easily winning the first game and leading, 8-2, in the second, the Toreadors collapsed and lost the second and third games.

Things turned around for Taft in the fourth game. Middle blocker Matt Davis, who finished with 11 kills and 10 blocks, keyed the impressive comeback. Outside hitter Cody Hein added 15 kills and 32 assists for Taft.

Granada Hills Coach Tom Harp was almost at a loss for words in explaining his team’s breakdown.

“I knew this match would go the distance,” Harp said. “We just didn’t have what it takes down the stretch.”