Tough league greeting

GLENDALE — In nonleague competition, the Glendale and Burbank high girls’ tennis squads built a respectable rivalry.

Now, they will look to do the same while participating in the Pacific League.

The Nitros and Bulldogs completed their first league match Tuesday with the Nitros posting a 14-4 home victory.

Burbank (1-2) joined the Pacific League, along with Burroughs, after a lengthy stint in the Foothill League.

The Nitros (2-0) traditionally play Burbank during the first or second week of the season to prepare for the rigors of competing against perennial Pacific League powerhouses Crescenta Valley and Arcadia.

Glendale proved that it has a bit more depth and experience than Burbank, which placed fifth in the Foothill League last fall. The Nitros, who earned a 17-1 win against Burbank last season, won seven singles and seven doubles sets Tuesday.

Glendale turned to No. 1 singles player Meldia Hacobian, who recorded 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 victories. Hacobian, one of seven returners, overcame a 4-1 deficit to topple Burbank No. 2 player Mindy Ou in the final set of the match.

Davidson said the Nitros received a boost from their No. 3 doubles team of Rachelle Saturnino and Samantha Sismundo, who swept their sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

The Bulldogs will aim to grab one of the four available postseason spots from the Pacific League.

Veteran Burbank Coach Paul McNiff said the Pacific League teams don’t have much time to get adjusted to the new schedule.

“All our girls talked about how fast league came,” said McNiff, whose team opened the season with a 13-5 loss to South Pasadena before regrouping to earn a 10-8 win against Flintridge Prep. “It’s weird playing league matches in the second week.

“It’s the typical time to play Glendale, but now it counts. We have similar demographics and the kids know each other.”

Burbank No. 1 singles player Anastasia Altounian recorded a 6-2 win against Ynna Aghabegian.