Chatsworth Makes an Impression on Way to Volleyball Title Game

It is not uncommon for team members to let their hair grow until they win a championship. But at Chatsworth High, the boys’ volleyball team is starting a new tradition: haircuts.

Weird haircuts--with numbers, arrows and squiggly lines shaved into some of the players’ hair. Others have close trims.

“For inspiration,” said middle blocker Gene Urcan, who sports a vertical arrow with the tip pointed down on the back of his head. “We’re getting into the spirit.”

Top-seeded Chatsworth (14-2) certainly played with spirit Tuesday, defeating visiting Palisades in the City Section 4-A Division semifinals, 15-10, 12-15, 15-4, 15-13.

Chatsworth, the defending City 4-A champion, will play third-seeded Taft (13-1) in the final at Pepperdine on Friday night. Taft’s only loss came against Chatsworth, which won in five games.

“More than anything, we wanted this match,” Chatsworth’s Ryan Labovitch said. “It was the most emotional match we’ve ever played.”

Senior outside hitter Mike Nash led the way with 17 kills and six blocks. Labovitch had 15 kills.

“They are team leaders both emotionally and physically,” Chatsworth Coach Steve West said. “They definitely have a boosting effect.”

After taking a 12-6 lead in the second game, however, the Chancellors temporarily lost momentum, allowing fourth-seeded Palisades to score nine unanswered points to even the match.

Leading, 14-13, in the fourth game, Chatsworth wasted three chances to earn the final point. Twelve minutes later, Palisades returned a shot out of bounds, giving the Chancellors their first win over Palisades in three meetings this season.

“They hit the ball much harder and quicker than they did earlier this season,” Palisades Coach Howard Enstedt said.

Palisades played a strong passing game. Sophomore John Lee had 26 digs and senior Brady Nathan added 18 digs. But the Dolphins had problems hitting over the Chancellors’ blocking wall.

Chatsworth’s Craig Hewitt had 12 blocks and eight kills and Urcan had nine blocks and nine kills.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance that you go to (the finals),” said Urcan. “We’re going to Pepperdine and we’re going to win the City (championship).”