Burroughs opens league with victory

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Burroughs 49, Crescenta Valley 36: The Indians opened Pacific League play Tuesday with an impressive win against the host Falcons.

For the first half, Burroughs (11-3) and Crescenta Valley (7-6) were locked in a tight game. The Indians held a 22-20 halftime lead before playing strong defense and getting some timely baskets in turning back the Falcons, who advanced to the quarterfinals last season for the first time since 2001 with an experienced squad.

Burroughs received big contributions from its senior guard duo of Lisha Elsenbach and Justice Shank. Elsenbach, who entered the contest averaging 18.9 points per game, scored 15 of her 17 points in the second half and Shank caused havoc on defense with a game-best eight steals and 13 points.

A three-pointer by Stepanian gave the Falcons an 18-17 lead with 2:17 left in the second quarter. However, Burroughs senior guard Chelsea Rhamdeow made a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Indians a 22-20 halftime advantage.

The Indians limited the Falcons to 16 second-half points, including six in the fourth quarter. Burroughs broke it open when Shank recorded a steal and layup to make it 39-30 with 27.2 seconds left in the third quarter.

Burroughs received 10 points and eight rebounds from sophomore center Aysia Shellmire.

The teams will meet again at 5 p.m. Jan. 24 at Burroughs.

Charles Rich

Muir 51, Burbank 49: The Bulldogs just missed pulling out a major upset Tuesday in the Pacific League opener at home.

Burbank (7-6) outscored the defending champions, 20-15, in the third quarter to take a 40-38 lead into the fourth quarter.

Burbank received 11 points from Courtney Seidler and a fine all-around game from Evelyn Abrami, who had six points, nine assists, six steals and two blocks.

Providence 53, Yeshiva 34: The Pioneers got off to a productive start in Liberty League play Tuesday with a victory at home.

Providence jumped out to an 11-4 advantage after the first quarter and held a 30-15 lead at the half.

Catherine Saint paced Providence with 12 points. Teammate Rita Khatchadourian chipped in 11 points.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Crescenta Valley 79, Burroughs 46: It was a tough Pacific League opener for the Indians (2-12) Tuesday, as they fell to the Falcons.

Muir 65, Burbank 54: The Bulldogs (9-5) couldn’t stop Deshawn Hayes, who scored 29 points Tuesday to lead the Mustangs to the win in the opening Pacific League game for both teams.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

La Cañada 2, Burroughs 1: The Indians outshot the Spartans, 12-5, but still lost the nonleague match Thursday on the road.

Two breakdowns on defense cost the Indians the two goals. In addition, the Indians missed two breakaways when they kicked the ball right at the La Cañada goalkeeper.

Angie Caro scored the first goal of the game for the Indians in the 15th minute when she chipped a shot from 30 yards out.

La Canada scored minutes before halftime to tie the score at 1, and then scored again late in the game in the 77th minute.

Burroughs 6, Muir 0: Freshman Maria Gomez scored three goals and the defense didn’t allow Muir a shot on goal Tuesday as the Indians stayed undefeated in Pacific League play.

The Indians outshot Muir, 30-0. Only a solid effort by the Muir goalie prevented a much more lopsided score.

Amy Lopez, Amanda Encinas and Haley O’Brien also scored for Burroughs (2-0-1 in league). Riley Garden and Tatiana Rizzotti each had two assists and Jasleen Rivera and O’Brien also had an assist each.

The Burroughs defense was led by goalkeeper Rica Chuidian, who recorded the shutout. O’Brien and White, along with Alexis Mendias, Brooke Hazzard, Marisa Vasquez and Ashley Caro, Daniela Salinas, Angie Caro, Garden and Rizzotti helped pace the dominating effort.

GIRLS’ WATER POLO

Glendale 10, Burbank 7: The Bulldogs couldn’t push their way back Wednesday in suffering the loss at home in the Pacific League opener for both teams.

Jordan Card paced Burbank (9-3) with a match-high five goals.

Had in not been for Burbank senior goalkeeper Sarah Tubert, the outcome might have been wider. Tubert finished with 19 saves and gave the Bulldogs a chance to win.

Tubert made 11 saves in the first half. Glendale owned a 5-4 halftime lead before Berberian helped get things together for Glendale.

The Bulldogs got one goal apiece from Janna Ayvazyan and Gabi Rodriguez to close to within 7-6 late in the third quarter. However, Milene Minassians scored with 44 seconds left in the quarter to make it 8-6.