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Flintridge Prep tennis trio headed to CIF Individuals

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A group of Flintridge Prep boys’ tennis players paved the way for the team to enjoy its most successful season in some time.

Flintridge Prep finished second in the Prep League behind Chadwick and qualified for the CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs before falling to Oak Park in the first round.

While the season came to a close for the team, a trio of Rebels will extend its season after being invited to participate in the CIF Individual Tournament.

Cartier Juan, Gillis Linde and Christian Yeghnazar will be a part of the event, which begins Thursday at five venues and will feature many of the top players from across parts of Southern California.

Juan will make his third straight trip to the tournament in singles, while Linde and Yeghnazar will compete in the event for the first time. They will play at the Jack Kramer Club in Rolling Hills Estates.

Check-in time is 8 a.m. and, as is customary, players learn of their draws shortly thereafter. Should they move on to the round of 32, it will take place June 2 at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center in South El Monte.

The Prep League has CIF Individual entries based on record rather than a league tournament.

Juan, a senior, reached the second round in 2014 and 2015. He enters the 2016 tournament at 41-4 , 15-3 in league after winning two of three sets against Oak Park on May 11.

“It’s great for Cartier to be a part of the tournament again,” first-year Flintridge Prep Coach Morisa Yang said. “He’ll come in confident and he’s mentally tough.

“He’s been the catalyst for the team the last four years and it’s great to see him going up against a lot of excellent players. He’s been able to make the big shots all season.”

Linde, a freshman, and Yeghnazar, a junior, come into the event 27-12, 12-3. The duo won one set against Oak Park.

“Gillis is so versatile in that he can play singles and doubles,” Yang said. “Christian has improved so much in a lot of areas.

“It will be a great experience for them to be in the tournament and they’ve worked hard to get there. Gillis has been hitting the ball well and Christian has a good touch and a big first serve.”

The round of 16 and quarterfinals will occur June 3 at Seal Beach Tennis Center. The semifinals and final will be held June 4 in Seal Beach.

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