University Wins Volleyball Final

Superior size is sometimes impossible to overcome.

The University High boys’ volleyball team, using a front row with an average height of 6 feet 5, did just that in wearing down undersized Bell, 15-3, 15-8, 15-13, in the City 4-A final Friday night at Cal State Northridge.

In the 3-A final, Fairfax defeated two-time defending champion Marshall, 4-15, 17-15, 15-13, 15-9.

University (16-1) defended its title behind the strong play of 6-5 outside hitter Mike Rupp (19 kills), 6-6 outside hitter Mark Williams (12 kills), 6-4 opposite hitter Brian Lieb (seven kills), 6-3 middle hitter Nick Strouse (seven blocks) and 6-5 middle hitter Jonathan Jonah (seven blocks).

“We have a lot of talent and a lot of hard workers on this team,” said Warrior Coach Neal Newman. “We don’t rely on just one or two players.”

Bell (15-2) was led by its only player over 6-3, Rudy Flores, who recorded 20 kills and eight blocks.

Fairfax (13-4) trailed Marshall (15-2), 13-10, in the third game before scoring five points in a row.