Harvard-Westlake Draws an Ace and Trumps Chaminade

It might sound simplistic to say Marissa Irvin has single-handedly changed the face of girls’ tennis in the Mission League.

But it might be true.

The addition of this world-class player to an already solid lineup has transformed Harvard-Westlake High into a powerhouse.

The Wolverines proved as much with a 13-5 victory over defending league champion Chaminade at the Studio City Golf and Tennis Center on a breezy Tuesday.

“Whatever difference you think she’s made, the difference is probably bigger,” Chaminade Coach Andy Berenson said.

Irvin did not play for Harvard-Westlake in previous years because of a busy tournament schedule. As half of the duo that won the U.S. Open junior doubles title last month, the senior still travels frequently but has made it to about a third of the Wolverines’ matches this season.

When she does show up, Irvin routinely breezes through her sets, as she did against Chaminade, 6-0, 6-1, 6-1.

Which begs the question, does she worry about getting bored out there?

“It’s not hard to get motivated because I’m playing for my school,” Irvin said. “I love playing on this team.”

Harvard-Westlake (11-2, 8-0 in league play) also benefited from the continued emergence of freshman Stephanie Berg, who won two of her three sets at No. 2 singles.

For Chaminade (7-3, 7-1), the bright spots were fewer and farther between.

The Eagles were buoyed by their No. 1 doubles team, Monica Andrews and Monica Alonso, an animated pair given to yelling “Go ‘Nade” at each other and screaming simultaneously when they lose points.

“The Monicas,” as they are called, won all three of their sets.

No. 1 singles player Teresa Galido, who lost to Irvin, 6-0, rebounded to beat Berg, 7-5, and No. 3 singles player Lindsy Forbess, 6-4.

None of that was enough to make this match close. The Wolverines simply had too much Marissa.

“Just her reputation,” Galido said. “It kind of psyched us out.”