Lofrano Hopes for More Than Just a Short Stop in Volleyball Playoffs

Andrea Ibanez, a setter for the Chatsworth High girls volleyball team, may have received the ultimate compliment from Coach Bob Lofrano, who doubles as the school’s baseball coach.

“I wish she could play shortstop,” Lofrano said. “She has great feet and great hands--exactly what you want in an athlete. She’s the most important cog in the machine.”

Ibanez has been the catalyst in a Chatsworth team that won its first North Valley League title this season. On Saturday, Chatsworth (10-0, 14-1) defeated Kennedy in the first round of the City 4-A playoffs to advance to tonight’s 8 p.m. semifinal against University at Venice High.

Chatsworth has been eliminated in a quarterfinal by University the past two seasons. Although the Chancellors have been outclassed in the past, Lofrano is hopeful that a third attempt against the sophisticated University offense will produce better results.

“When you play University,” he said, “it’s a different brand of volleyball than you’re used to.”

A victory would be an upset. Said Lofrano: “If we minimize the common mistakes, we can stay on the court with them. Let’s face it, everyone expects a University-Palisades final.”