WILMINGTON -- The Chancellors overcame the task of having to play every game on the road and closed the journey with a 3-1 victory today over host Banning to win the City Section junior varsity championship.

 

It is the first junior varsity title for the Chancellors, who have participated in the three tournaments that have been contested.

 

Freshman left-hander David Lira went the distance for the Chancellors, getting out of trouble in the seventh inning by picking off two runners at first base.

 

Chatsworth (25-6) got two hits from sophomore catcher Jeff Bezjian, including a double; two hits from freshman first baseman Steven Karkenny and a run-scoring double from freshman third baseman Christian Lopez.

 

Bezjian picked off a runner at second base to help bail out the Chancellors.

 

The Chancellors had an uphill battle even before the tournament began. Despite having finished second in the West Valley League, Chatsworth was left off the tournament during the seeding meeting and had to play No. 16-seeded Westchester during a play-in.

 

Chatsworth defeated Westchester, top-seeded Roosevelt, No. 9 El Camino Real, No. 5 Sylmar and No. 6 Banning.

 

Congratulations to Coach Stuart Sellz, his staff and the players.

 

Photo by Dave Siegel