Taft Reaches Tennis Final

Marvin Jones had little time to relish Taft High’s 6-1 victory over Fairfax in a City Section 4-A Division girls’ tennis semifinal Thursday at The Racquet Centre in Studio City. At the other end of the complex, Palisades was making short work of Birmingham, defeating the Braves, 7-0.

The victories set up a rematch of last year’s finalists. Palisades, which prevailed, 6-1, has won five consecutive championships.

The final will be played at The Racquet Centre on Nov. 28. And Jones, Taft’s coach, says that snapping the Dolphins’ streak will be difficult.

“We will need a very good showing to upset them,” Jones said. “I’d rather be in Pali’s shoes, but this team won’t go down without a fight.”

Fairfax (11-3) did not give the Toreadors much of a struggle. Monica Kocian notched the Lions’ lone point by upsetting Julie Koppekin, ranked fifth in the City, 6-1, 6-0.

Jenny Nussbaum, Alison Luskin and Lydia Mendoza each posted singles wins for Taft, which improved to 15-1 overall. Taft also swept its doubles matches.

“Singles have been our strength,” Jones said. “Doubles started off shaky, but they’ve become instrumental.”

Palisades (17-1), the top-ranked team, mowed through Birmingham’s lineup, losing just one set.

The performance was particularly impressive considering that the Dolphins lost seven starters from last year’s team.

“Everybody thought they would get us,” said Palisades Coach Bud Kling, adding that Taft should present a more formidable opponent than Jones suggests. “I think (Jones) may be taking the pressure off his team--downplaying his chances like a typical coach.”

The doubles team of Dana Rand and Bridgette Payton came closest to winning a match for the Braves by defeating Anne Kwon and Karly Lemen, 6-2, in the first set. Kwon and Lemen battled back and won the next two sets, 6-3, 6-2.