Chatsworth Answers Challenge by Taking Fifth

Granada Hills High can’t catch a break. And Chatsworth wasn’t about to allow one.

Chatsworth defeated Granada Hills, 9-15, 15-11, 15-4, 4-15, 15-13, in a West Valley League boys’ volleyball match Thursday at Chatsworth.

Matt Cornell had 16 kills and Paul George added 11 for the Chancellors (4-0, 1-0 in league play), who were challenged for the first time this season.

Cornell had two late kills for Chatsworth, which had won nine of 10 games in match play and dominated the Venice tournament, allowing only 52 total points in 11 games.

“It’s good for us to know we we can come back and win like this,” said George, who also had 21 assists. “Luckily, we squeaked it out.”

Andrew Phongsamran had 17 kills for Granada Hills (2-3, 0-2), which overcame a 12-5 deficit in the fifth game and led, 13-12, before fading.

Granada Hills lost to Roosevelt in five games and to league rival Taft in four.

“We’ve got to keep trying,” Coach Tom Harp said, “and maybe things will go our way.”