Glendale Community College women’s tennis falls in season opener with Riverside College

GLENDALE — As the lone returner to the Glendale Community College women’s tennis team, Sofia Tavitian is looking to set an example for her new teammates.

Though the Vaqueros began their season with an 8-1 season-opening nonconference loss against visiting Riverside Community College on Thursday afternoon, Tavitian’s work ethic was noticed by Glendale Coach Bob Donaghy.

“She’s one of our top players,” Donaghy said. “She doesn’t give up.

“I’m always happy with her work ethic.”

Tavitian recorded the lone point for the Vaqueros, posting a 6-1, 7-5 singles victory against Brianna Bowers. She then worked with Ally Amour at No. 1 doubles, but the duo suffered an 8-6 defeat against Alecs Comahig and Nikki Vorhees.

“In my singles match, I got off to a good start in the first set,” Tavitian said. “[Bowers] changed her game in the second set and it was a little bit different style. In doubles, we were down, 7-2, and tried to come back.

Riverside (1-0) proved to be overpowering in singles competition, winning five sets. Vorhees, Prisilla Cobian, Comahig, Lexi Bevins and Serena Cardenas each won their singles sets for the Tigers, who captured the Orange Empire Conference championship last season before finishing ranked fifth in state.

“Riverside has got a solid team,” said Donaghy, whose team finished ranked 11th last season. “I thought we played them tough.

“We still have a few things that we need to work on.”

Tavitian said the Vaqueros will need some time to get acclimated before they begin Western State Conference action in a couple of weeks.

“It’s basically a brand new team and we are trying to become more consistent,” Tavitian said. “I thought we played well for the first match.

“It’s our first serious match and it’s good experience to get ready for our conference.”

Vorhees posted a 6-2, 6-2 win against Ashley Sumudio. Cobian registered a 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (7-5) victory against Amour in a match that took more than two hours to complete. Comahig posted a 6-1, 6-0 win against Sydney Farzadkish, a Crescenta Valley High graduate. Bevins notched a 6-2, 7-5 victory against Amanda Dring and Cardenas earned a 6-0, 6-1 victory against Nerissa Fnu.

Bowers and Cardenas worked together to record an 8-3 doubles win against Sumudio and Dring. Cobian and Bevins posted an 8-3 victory against Farzadkish and Fnu.

Glendale will next compete in a nonconference road match at 2 p.m. Friday against Mount San Antonio College.