Corona del Mar Is No. 1, but by a Narrow Margin

Top-ranked Corona del Mar proved it was the best girls’ tennis team in Orange County Tuesday with a 10-8 victory over second-ranked Dana Hills. But the tight match at Dana Hills showed there isn’t much difference between Nos. 1 and 2.

“We had a few girls who were nervous and didn’t play up to the level they’re capable of, but we’re right there with them,” Dana Hills Coach John Stephens said. “I’d like us play them again in a month.”

Stephens won’t get that chance because Corona del Mar and Dana Hills are in separate leagues and divisions. Corona del Mar plays in the Sea View League and Division I. Dana Hills plays in the South Coast League and Division II. Dana Hills had a chance to play up in Division I, but the team voted to stay in Division II.

Realizing his team wouldn’t get another opportunity to play Dana Hills, Corona del Mar Coach Tim Mang billed Tuesday’s meeting as “the match of the season.”

“Woodbridge is going to be tough, but the way these guys were destroying teams, it made us a little nervous,” Mang said.

On Friday, Dana Hills (3-1) took care of fourth-ranked Newport Harbor, 17-1. Monday, the Dolphins blanked Santa Margarita, ranked first in Division III, 18-0. Tuesday’s match was close all the way, tied at three after a round and at six after two rounds. But Corona del Mar (3-0) swept the three singles sets in the last round and won one of three doubles sets.

Overall, the Sea Kings took seven of nine singles sets. Senior Nina Vaughan led the way with a sweep at No. 1 singles, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, over Summer Tantee, Amber Tantee and Isis Jackson.

“Nina had a great day today,” Mang said. “I sat in between the four courts. Nina, I just left alone on the far court and she came through.”

Vaughan’s younger sister, Nadia, also came through--winning two of three sets as did Caylan Leslie.