Chatsworth Wins in Waltz as Van Nuys Loses Harmony

CHATSWORTH — Van Nuys High Coach Dave Bessler was left singing the blues Tuesday after the Wolves lost a boys’ nonconference volleyball match to Chatsworth.

“I don’t think anyone even cares,” an exasperated Bessler said after the Wolves were defeated, 15-13, 15-13, 15-4. “I don’t see any spark and we don’t have a leader. He’s off singing.”

Bessler was referring to starting outside hitter Allen Chiu. Bessler said Chiu, along with reserve Van Quach, missed the match to take part in a singing performance associated with the school’s performing arts magnet program.

In addition two other key players were unavailable for the Wolves (0-3). Albert Lee had a torn contact lens and Larry Najera arrived without his uniform.

Van Nuys’ depleted team bears little resemblance to the one that won the Valley Pac-8 Conference and advanced the City Section 3-A Division semifinals last season.

Bessler moved senior middle blocker Eugene Kwong to right outside hitter in place of Najera, but deemed it unwise and moved him back.

Chatsworth (1-1) remained poised despite close scores in the first two games. The Chancellors led, 6-0, in the first game and then trailed, 12-9, before surging back.

Van Nuys led, 9-3, in the second game before Chatsworth went on an 11-1 run.

Devon Berry had five kills for Van Nuys. Frank Ruiz and Stephen Wiessner each had six for Chatsworth.