Falcons trip up Spartans, 15-3
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE — No matter the circumstances, there’s always something on the line when the Crescenta Valley High and La Cañada girls’ tennis teams get together for an annual nonleague match.
While many of the respective players are friends with members on the opposing team off the court, it’s about taking care of business on the court and proving to themselves that they can handle the ups and downs of the regular season.
On Thursday, Crescenta Valley showed its all-around strength, as the Falcons won eight of nine doubles sets en route to an easy 15-3 road victory.
“The players know each other,” said Crescenta Valley first-year Coach Sarah Wiggins, whose team improved to 6-1 and received sweeps in singles from Karen Ataian and Erin LeVoir and a doubles sweep from Sarah Ali and Talia Moradkhanian. “They know that they have to take care of business on the court.
“We need to make a match like this count in terms of getting solid practice for the rest of league. We want to make sure we are moving forward in terms of picking up as many games as possible in singles and doubles.”
The Falcons have already participated in five Pacific League matches, while the Spartans haven’t competed in a Rio Hondo League tilt.
La Cañada (4-4) fared slightly better in singles. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome a Crescenta Valley squad featuring plenty of depth and experience.
“We try to have a nonleague match that’s against high-caliber teams so it can test our players,” said La Cañada Coach Will Moravec, whose team will begin league action today against Temple City. “Hopefully, we get sharp for [today] and everybody’s confidence is up.
“CV’s just got more depth, plain and simple. When you have somebody like Sarah Ali at No. 1 doubles, it’s a nice luxury.”
LeVoir, a reigning All-Area member, lost one game and Ataian lost two games. Ali and Moradkhanian lost two games.
Jackie Dilanchyan of Crescenta Valley posted a 6-2 victory in singles. Hana Park and Viktoriya Shumakova worked together to win their two doubles sets, 6-2, 6-1. Sydney Farzadkish and Tamara Talverdian paired up for two wins, 6-2, 6-1.
The Falcons got a 6-1 doubles win from Ani Pogarian and Amanda Lockwood.
Camille Dunn and Missy Antonoplis each won a set in singles. Dunn posted a 7-5 victory, while Antonoplis came through with a 6-1 win. In doubles, Sharon Kim and Linnea Frazier teamed up for a 7-5 doubles victory.
The Spartans competed without doubles players Sydney Fischel and Cami Lopez. Moravec said Fischel is battling a wrist injury and Lopez missed the match because of a previous engagement.
