Locals set for CIF playoffs
GLENDALE — The following are previews of today’s CIF Southern Section playoff contests involving area teams.
BOYS’ WATER POLO
Glendale at Rio Mesa, 3:15 p.m.: The Nitros (12-14) began their run in the Division VI playoffs Tuesday with a lopsided 18-5 victory against Saddleback at Burbank High. Glendale, which finished second in the Pacific League behind Crescenta Valley, will likely have a more difficult task at hand against top-seeded Rio Mesa (23-4).
The Spartans won the Pacific View League championship while spending most of the season ranked No. 1 in the weekly division polls. Rio Mesa earned a first-round bye.
The Nitros are led by Gor Asyran and Davit Gharagyozyan.
Hoover at Arroyo Valley, 3:15 p.m.: Once again, the Tornadoes (14-4) will hit the pavement for another long bus ride. Hoover, which finished third in the Pacific League, traveled more than 400 miles round trip Tuesday to pick up a 17-9 win against Lompoc Cabrillo in a Division VI first-round match.
Freshman utility player Hakop Kaplanyan paced Hoover with a team-high six goals and goalkeeper Grigor Avetisyan finished with 12 saves.
Now, the Tornadoes will head east to face Arroyo Valley (18-11). The Hawk, which had a first-round bye, won the San Andreas League title.
Rowland vs. Crescenta Valley at Pasadena City College, 4:30 p.m.: Fresh off winning the Pacific League championship last week, the Falcons (22-6) will attempt to win the Division VI crown. Second-seeded Crescenta Valley should continue to have plenty of depth and a pair of reliable goalkeepers in Danny Mock and Rane Colvin to try to get them there.
Rowland opened its playoff run Tuesday with a 14-4 win against Lompoc. Rowland finished second in the San Antonio League behind Walnut.
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Pasadena Poly at Crescenta Valley, 2 p.m.: Crescenta Valley (16-1) will meet Pasadena Poly (7-8) in a first round match of the Division II playoffs. The Falcons won the Pacific League championship, while the Panthers placed third in the Prep League.
Crescenta Valley should be paced by sophomore Erin LeVoir, who won her first league singles championship last week.
Glendale at Marymount, 2 p.m.: The Nitros (9-7) figure to have a quality matchup against Marymount (13-7) in a Division II fist-round contest.
Glendale took third in the Pacific League behind Crescenta Valley and Arcadia. Marymount went on to capture the Sunshine League championship.
The Nitros’ teams of Sevana Zargarian and Samantha Sismundo and Adrine Babakhanyan and Anaeis Gevorkian advanced to the league finals with Zargarian and Sismundo, who are also the team’s top singles players, winning.
