Boys' volleyball: Palisades states its case for No. 1 seed in playoffs

When it comes to volleyball, perhaps no rivalry in the City Section is quite as intense as that between Palisades and Venice. It seems there’s a lot at stake every time the neighboring beach schools meet, and Monday’s match was no exception.

Having won a grueling five-gamer in their previous encounter, Palisades was looking to stay atop the Western League and prove it deserves consideration for the No. 1 seed in the City playoffs. Venice, however, would take over first place in the league standings if it could win in less than five games.

Palisades ultimately prevailed, 25-18, 25-22, 16-25, 25-18, to remain unbeaten in best-of-five matches, and Coach Chris Forrest believes if his team can win its last three matches it will be as worthy of the No. 1 seed as any team in the San Fernando Valley, including Chatsworth.

“We’ve beaten them [Venice] twice and they swept Sylmar in a nonleague match and beat El Camino Real in a tournament,” Forrest said. “Those are two of the best teams out there so I definitely think that puts us in the conversation.”

Palisades lost to Sylmar, 26-24, at the Venice Invitational but fared well against stiff competition at the Dos Pueblos and La Jolla tournaments. It’s clear these Dolphins are clicking on all cylinders and will present a formidable challenge to future opponents.

Venice could also improve its playoff seeding with a strong showing at Saturday’s Sylmar tournament, which will include most of the best teams in the City Section.

-- Steve Galluzzo

-- Image: ww.clipartguide.com