Teen-Ager Eliminates Top-Seeded Torres in Tarzana Tennis Opener
Noelle Porter is making the most of her chance appearance in the $25,000 United States Tennis Assn. women’s tournament at the Braemar Country Club in Tarzana.
The San Clemente teen-ager, the No. 1-ranked 16-year-old in Southern California, arrived unannounced before the tournament began Tuesday and earned a spot in the field of 32 when one of the invited players failed to show.
On Wednesday, Porter ousted top-seeded Michelle Torres, ranked No. 55 in the world, 7-5, 7-5, in a first-round match.
The top-seeded doubles team also made a quick exit when former USC teammates Cheryl Jones and Michelle Morrison defeated Heather Crowe and Kim Steinmetz, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.
The other seeds in action Wednesday advanced with straight-set victories. Eighth-seeded Dee Ann Hansell of Georgia defeated Cinda Gurney of Palos Verdes, 6-2, 6-3, in singles. Hansell and Jennifer Goodling, the second-seeded doubles tandem, eliminated Eloise Woods and Hiromi Yoshihara, 6-1, 6-3.
In the only match involving a player from the Valley area, Dena Levy of Woodland Hills defeated Rona Daniels of Miami, 6-1, 6-2.
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