DOWNEY - The Downey High School girls' tennis team has gotten off to a 1-1 start after defeating Lakewood, 13-5, on Sept. 6, and a loss to Santa Fe on Sept. 7, 5-13.The Lady Vikings ended last season with a 6-6 league record and third place finish. The Lady Vikings were defeated by Marlborough High School in the first round of the C.I.F. playoffs. The Lady Vikings return several key players this year. Singles players Alejandra Roque, Amy Lee and Dimitra Loumiotis all return with more experience and skill. Doubles players Nicole Sibal and Michelle Morales return as do Toni Salgado, Milanny Vazquez and Marina Sourial. Key losses to graduation from last year include singles player Caroline Tran and doubles player Sophia Loumiotis. Lady Vikings stepping up from the Junior Varsity ranks include Jessica Angel and Elizabeth Aceves. Former Warren High School standout and reigning S.G.V.L. champion Erin Freeman is also a student-athlete now at Downey High School and will be eligible to compete on Oct. 1. Coach Diego maintains that San Gabriel Valley League champion Paramount and cross-town rival Warren will be the toughest league competition this year. League play starts for the Lady Vikings on Friday, Sept. 14, against Warren at Downey. The Lady Vikings have high hopes for this season and are looking forward to a strong showing in league play and a nice run in the C.I.F. playoffs.

********** Published: September 13, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 22