Crescenta Valley, Hoover tennis heading in different directions
LA CRESCENTA — Having reached the halfway point of Pacific League competition, it appears as though the Crescenta Valley High and Hoover girls’ tennis teams are heading in opposite directions.
The Falcons and Tornadoes wrapped up the first half of league Tuesday in the first of two head-to-head meetings with Crescenta Valley capturing seven doubles sets en route to a 12-6 home victory.
Through six league matches, Crescenta Valley Coach Sam Hyun and Hoover Coach Julie Hoppe began to reassess their teams’ respective prospects concerning the final six league contests.
Hyun said the Falcons (5-3, 4-2 in league) appear to have stabilized their lineup, something that might help them climb in the standings.
“We have now found our No. 3 doubles team [in Annie Park and Carleen Petrosian],” Hyun said. “Now, they just have to raise their level of play because doubles will be the key for us.
“We have to focus mostly in doubles to get as many sets and take the pressure off singles. We want to fight for that No. 2 spot in league with Arcadia.”
The Falcons’ No. 1 doubles team of Alexa Gregorian and Jackie Dilanchyan set the stage, sweeping, 6-0, 6-0, 6-1. Crescenta Valley’s No. 2 doubles tandem of Angela Seo and Ashley An won two sets, 6-3, 6-0. They were replaced in the third round by Melanie Voskanian and Alexia Voskani, who picked up a 6-0 victory. Annie Park and Petrosian earned a 6-4 victory in doubles for Crescenta Valley.
In singles, Crescenta Valley received two victories from Selin Ayvazian (6-3, 6-1). It also got one singles win apiece from Sarah Yaghoubi (6-0), Natalie Davidian (6-4) and Katie Maskai (7-6(7-3)).
The Tornadoes (4-5, 2-4) were led by No. 1 singles player Sara Kim, who picked up a pair of victories (6-3, 7-5). Hoover also got one singles win each from Narin Chung (6-0) and Natalie Kelechian (6-0).
In doubles, the Tornadoes got a 6-1 victory from Alin Torosian and Angelina Khouradjian and a 6-2 win from Erlinda Kirakosyan and Tamar Chavdarian.
Hoppe said the Tornadoes will look to regroup over the final month of the regular season.
“It’s going to be a struggle to get a playoff spot,” Hoppe said. “With the second half, we have to make sure we are ready.
“We have a little more balanced team in some areas, but not near what teams like Burbank and Arcadia have. We have to work harder than our opponent and battle for every point.”
Crescenta Valley and Hoover will take part in league matches at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Crescenta Valley will travel to rival Arcadia and Hoover will play host to cross-town foe Glendale.
Crescenta Valley will take on Hoover again at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Hoover.
