Van Nuys Enjoys Its Good Luck

Wolfy is getting up there in years and, as evidenced from an increasing amount of fur loss, is suffering from wear and tear.

But the stuffed animal keeps bringing good fortune to the Van Nuys High girls’ volleyball team, which defeated Granada Hills, 15-9, 9-15, 15-11, 15-7, in a first-round City Section City Championship girls’ volleyball match Monday night at Van Nuys.

Then again, the Wolves (11-3) are overdue in terms of luck.

Two years ago, they were booted from the playoffs for using an ineligible player, a ban that carried over into last season’s playoffs.

To make matters worse, standout Melody Eckmier transferred to Simi Valley before this season.

“We’ve been through a lot, with everything that’s happened,” said Margot Wallace, who had six kills and 21 assists and has brought Wolfy to every match this season. “But we’re playing for ourselves.”

Eighth-seeded Van Nuys could not stop Oregon-bound middle blocker Michelle Ferrucci, who had 22 kills for No. 9 Granada Hills (10-3).

But the Wolves had better passing and, as a result, a more consistent offense.

Debbie Lim had nine kills and Fah Vasunilashorn added six for Van Nuys, which plays at top-seeded Palisades in the second round on Thursday.

--MIKE BRESNAHAN

In other City matches:

Chatsworth def. San Pedro, 15-6, 15-13, 15-7--Carlie Allison had 11 kills, and Elizabeth Wiessner had eight kills and six blocks for the seventh-seeded Chancellors (9-4) in a victory over the Pirates (10-3) at Chatsworth.

Poly def. Bravo, 15-10, 15-10, 15-4--Gaby Gallardo had 19 kills and seven aces for the second-seeded Parrots (13-1), who coasted in a match at home.

Sylmar def. El Camino Real, 15-9, 5-15, 15-7, 11-15, 16-14--Kassy Jimenez had 11 of her 22 kills in the fifth game for the third-seeded Spartans in a close victory at home.

Jimenez injured a knee in the second game and played sparingly for Sylmar (13-1).

Michelle Jimenez finished with 10 kills and eight blocks for Sylmar.

Alyceia Kimbourgh had 14 kills for El Camino Real (6-7).

In City Division matches:

Taft def. Manual Arts, 15-3, 15-0, 15-2--Tamika Peoples had eight kills and Melissa Watanabe had 20 service points, including nine consecutive in game one, for the second-seeded Toreadors (8-5) at Taft.

Cleveland def. North Hollywood, 12-15, 15-7, 15-9, 7-15, 15-10--Junior Kristy Schultz had 26 kills for the 12th-seeded Cavaliers (5-6), who upset No. 5 North Hollywood (7-7) at North Hollywood.

Linh Tran added 14 kills for Cleveland.

Fremont def. Canoga Park, 15-5, 15-3, 15-5--Wendy Silva had 16 kills for the Pathfinders (11-2) at Fremont.