VALLEY ROUNDUP

Cal State Northridge safety Joe Vaughn, a senior from Sylmar, has been named American West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Vaughn tied a school record with nine interceptions this year and broke the NCAA Division I-AA record for interception return yardage.

Matador quarterback J.J. O’Laughlin, receiver Duc Ngo, offensive lineman Edvin Babayova and kicker Matt Ornelaz also made the first-team offense. Defensive lineman Oscar Wilson and defensive back Vincent Johnson made the first-team defense.

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The Nordhoff High girls’ tennis team might consider throwing in its rackets right now, because recent history suggests the Rangers will have little chance in their Southern Section Division V team championship match.

But if the third time really is a charm, Nordhoff (14-6) could upset fourth-seeded La Reina (15-3) in the 2 p.m. showdown today at the Ojai Valley Racquet Club.

“They wiped us off the court,” Nordhoff Coach Rose Boggs said. “Now it depends on what the girls want to do. They’ve improved. It’s just how they perform under pressure.”

For La Reina, sisters Kristy Bear (30-2), a sophomore, and Cindy Bear (25-7), a senior, alternate at Nos. 1 and 2 singles. Kristin Dickey is 30-3 at No. 3 singles. The No. 1 doubles team of Katie Nelson and Vicki Hull (66-0) have not lost a match in two seasons.