Burbank tennis rolls past Glendale in heated contest
- Share via
GLENDALE — With the temperature close to 100 degrees and high humidity, the conditions for Thursday’s Pacific League girls’ tennis match between Burbank High and host Glendale were uncomfortable, difficult and potentially dangerous.
In the wake of the tough conditions, the teams’ coaches decided to play an abbreviated contest. It was agreed upon that the first team to win 10 of the match’s 18 sets for a winning margin would be the winner.
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead in the first round and were able to earn a 16-2 victory against the Nitros on their home courts.
PHOTOS: Burbank bests Glendale in heat-shortened match
Burbank (4-1, 2-0 in league) had the match won in the second round, so the third round wasn’t played and the Bulldogs singles and doubles teams were awarded 6-0 victories for the final round.
“It’s not only the heat that is bad, but the humidity makes it so much worse,” Burbank Coach Loi Phan said. “It really can be dangerous and the last thing we need is for someone to go down because of the heat.
“That’s why we both decided that if one team got to 10 they would be the winner. In this kind of heat, there’s really no reason to play the final round when a team already has it won. We figured this is the best way.”
Glendale Coach John Tuttle said there was no talk about postponing the match because of the weather.
“No, I think both of the teams wanted to get it in,” said Tuttle, who is in his first season. “We just have to be careful out there and the girls have to make sure they are taking care of themselves.”
To help the players, the coaches also agreed to some modifications on the courts.
“Usually you can only get a drink or rest only on change-overs,” Phan said. “But we told them that if they needed to get a drink or to take a little rest at any time they can do that. If was all about their safety and that’s why we accommodated them.”
The Bulldogs were able to win the match primarily on the strength of their singles, as the three players all swept their three sets.
At No. 1, Nicole Merrit notched three 6-0 scores, as did No. 2 Alice Avedikian. At No. 3, Johana Faraj-Jarr posted 6-2, 6-0, 6-1 scores.
“Even though it was hot, I just tried not to think about it and just play like I usually play,” Avedikian said. “I just have to remember to stay focused, drink my water and try to stay hydrated.
“The heat really doesn’t bother me, I’m kind of used to it.”
In doubles, the No. 1 Burbank team of Angie Azarian and Emilie Siraki swept, 6-4, 6-3, 6-0. At No. 2, Selin Davoodi teamed up with Elen Sargsyan to win, 6-0, and Sargsyan paired with Britni Friedman to win, 6-3, and the pair of Natalie Grigorian and Natalie Marsoubian took two, 6-0, 6-3.
The Glendale (0-4, 0-2) No. 2 doubles team of Emi Guzman and Kavitha Ambatipudi won, 6-4, and the top duo of Ariana Stepanian and Selin Mandani won, 5-5 (7-5) in a set that was shortened.