14 Local Players to Seek Tennis Titles in SCTC Challenge

Fourteen local players will compete in the semifinals of the Southern California Tennis Club Spring Singles Challenge Series this weekend at The Racquet Centre in Studio City.

The semifinals will begin today at 11:45 a.m. and the finals will begin Sunday at noon.

In the men’s Open division, Woodland Hills’ Dezi McBride and Agoura’s Steve Oliver will meet in a semifinal at noon Saturday.

In the women’s Open division, North Hollywood’s Linda Stude has advanced to the semifinals. Sherman Oaks’ Carolyn Rotman and Tarzana’s Kay Saito will meet in a semifinal match of the women’s lower division. Newhall’s Dave Valastro has advanced to the semifinals of the men’s A division.

Tarzana’s Jimmy Kim and Alon Shamir and Glendale’s Ray Rocero have reached the semifinals of the men’s B-plus division. Glendale’s Rick Simon and Encino’s Barry Bierman will meet in the semifinals of the men’s B division.

In the men’s C division, Sherman Oaks’ Nasser Monsefi, Agoura’s Bruce Thebarge, and Glendale’s John Lazetic have advanced to the semifinals. Winners of the Open division receive $300 and runners-up receive $200. Semifinalists earn $50 and quarterfinalists win $25.

In the remaining divisions, winners receive $150 and runners-up earn $75.

Tami Harp, Moorpark College’s sophomore outfielder, has signed a letter of intent for a full scholarship with Oklahoma after considering Arizona, California, Cal State Northridge and Louisiana Tech, Moorpark Coach Will Thurston said Friday.

Harp, a Buena High product, was a first-team all-state and All-Western State Conference selection and set school single-season records with 10 triples, seven home runs and a .435 batting average this season. She also holds the school career record with 11 triples.

The first Los Angeles City Softball Classic for high school players will be held today at UCLA’s softball field. The 4-A Division game is at noon, and the 3-A Division is at 3 p.m.

All players from Valley schools will compete for the 4-A East squad, which will be coached by Chuck Miller of Sylmar and Bill Rielly of San Fernando.

Bobby Sherwood, a catcher from Burroughs High, was a 38th-round draft choice of the Cleveland Indians.

Sherwood is the batterymate of Mike Rossiter, the 38th player chosen in the draft.