El Camino Real Shares Title : Girls’ volleyball: Victory over Chatsworth gives Conquistadores part of league championship.

Gretchen Vandenberg didn’t expect much in this her final season of volleyball at El Camino Real High.

Last season, the Conquistadores finished the regular season undefeated before they were upset in the first round of the playoffs.

Four starters graduated, including standout outside hitter Jessica Dinaberg, leaving Vandenberg and setter Lisa Brende as the only returning players.

But with El Camino Real’s 15-13, 15-10, 3-15, 15-11 victory over Chatsworth Tuesday, the Conquistadores tied Chatsworth for the West Valley League championship. Both teams gain automatic berths in the City Section 4-A playoffs, which begin next week.

“After what we lost last year, I had no idea how we would do,” Vandenberg said. “I thought we would be down but it’s been a pleasant surprise.”

This season Vandenberg has been the only serious hitting threat for El Camino Real and Tuesday was no exception.

Vandenberg had 21 kills and outside hitter Kari Hiraiwa had three kills.

Vandenberg almost single-handedly closed the match for El Camino Real.

El Camino Real (7-3, 7-1 in Northwest Valley Conference play) trailed, 11-8, in the final game before scoring the last seven points on Tami Jones’ serve.

After El Camino Real tied the game, Vandenberg had a block, then three consecutive kills to end the match and avenge the Conquistadores’ only loss in league play. Chatsworth defeated El Camino Real in three games last month.

“We have a lot of athletes on the team but Gretchen is the one we go to,” El Camino Real Coach Lori Chandler said.

“On our last timeout, I just told Lisa to get the ball to Gretchen three times and to get this match over.”

Vandenberg had 14 kills in the first two games as El Camino Real took early control of the match.

Chatsworth recovered to dominate the third game behind outside hitters Jennifer Joseph and Tynitia Wilson.

Joseph led the Chancellors (8-3, 7-1) with 10 kills.

Wilson added seven kills and four blocks.