Coffman, Chatsworth Walkon Taft : BYHEATHER HAFNER BDTimes Staff Writer

Chatsworth High volleyball player Neil Coffman expects to walk onnext seasonat UC Santa Barbara or at UCLA.

But, for now, Coffman is satisfied with walking all over the WestValley League 4-A competition.

The 6-3, 180-pound senior led Chatsworth to the City 4-A final lastseason, where the Chancellors lost to University. Coffman is looking forward to a rematch.

“We’re ready to meet our challenge,” Coffman said. “We were worried about Taft and Kennedy earlier in the year. Now we’re looking for University in the semifinals.”

Coffman’s confidence is warranted. The Chancellors finished the season with a 10-0 league record, losing only one game to Taft on Wednesday.

Coffman, middle blockers Raphael Tulino and Mark Root, and setter Rob Campbell are the force behind the Chatsworth attack.

The foursome unleashed on Taft, defeating the Toreadors in a final tune-up match before the upcoming City 4-A playoffs, 15-1, 13-15, 15-10, 15-12.

Fair warning: The Chancellors didn’t even play one of their better matches.

“This is the greatest group of kids I’ve ever had,” Berk said. “Not necessarily as far as ability, but cooperation. I can do anything with them.”

In the past, the Chancellors had taller teams and relied on their ability to block. Coffman was reluctant to believe the Chancellors could keep the roofing company alive.

“We’re not as big this year,” Coffman said. “We don’t have all the options we did last year, but we have a solid passing team. I didn’t think we’d do as well as we have.”

“Someone called us the Pali of the Valley,” Tulino said. “But, we don’t want to overlook anyone or be overconfident.”

Coffman, a first-team all-league and second-team All-City selection, doesn’t expect that to be a problem.

“A lot of us look for the glory a lot of the time,” Coffman said. “But, we get along well on the court. When it comes down to getting tougher we get into it. We’ll pull together.”

The Teams to Watch

Harvard

LEAGUE FINISH: First in the Ocean League

DIVISION: Southern Section 4-A

PLAYERS TO WATCH: John Phelps is one of the top players in the Valley and has averaged 24 kills per match. . . Senior setter Chris Abbott and middle blocker Mike Lowe have contributed to the Saracen attack.

PLAYOFF GAME: First Round, No. 8 Woodbridge at Harvard, tonight at 7:30.

Canoga Park

LEAGUE FINISH: Second in the Mid-Valley League

DIVISION: City 3-A

PLAYERS TO WATCH: not available.

PLAYOFF GAME: First Round, Tuesday, opponent TBA.

Granada Hills

LEAGUE FINISH: First in the Mid-Valley League

DIVISION: City 3-A

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lead by senior outside hitter Joe Komsky . . John Lim is a strong outside hitter for the Highlanders.

PLAYOFF GAME: First round, Tuesday, opponent TBA.

Kennedy

LEAGUE FINISH: Tied for second in the West Valley League

DIVISION: City 4-A

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior setter-hitter Austin Johnson, a first-team all league selection last season . . Greg Friedman, an outside hitter who also was an all-league soccer selection and middle blocker Josh Klapow.

PLAYOFF GAME: First Round, Tuesday, opponent TBA.

Taft

LEAGUE FINISH: Tied for second in the West Valley League.

DIVISION: City 4-A

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Setter Curtis Hein, who will be attending USC on a football scholarship next season. . .Simon Beitdashtoo, for his intensity. . .Jason LeDuff, who has an excellent jump serve.

PLAYOFF GAME: First round, Tuesday, opponent TBA.

Montclair Prep

LEAGUE FINISH: Third in Liberty League

DIVISION: Southern Section 3-A

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Captain Eric Treibatch, a junior outside hitter. . . Brian Moss, a 6-3 middle blocker.

PLAYOFF GAME: First round, tonight, at No. 1-ranked Loyola, 7:30.