Lopez looks to bounce back from injury

DOWNEY - The Warren High School girls' tennis team continues to work hard this summer in preparation for the start of their fall season.This year's key returner for the Bears is sophomore standout Isa Lopez. Last year Lopez compiled an undefeated 36-0 record in league play and an overall record of 57-3. Lopez was unable to compete in league finals due to a knee injury she sustained towards the end of the season. Last year's Bear squad consisted primarily of seniors. Key senior departures from last year included Eran Kalashian, Helen Yi, Ariel Gonzalez and Sarah Jeong. Coach Starksen is looking forward to watching senior Betty Villareal and junior Stephanie Sifuentes compete in doubles play. The Bears had a summer camp in which 30 student-athletes participated from mid-to-late July, after the C.I.F. mandated "dead period." Warren will get their preseason schedule started by hosting Mayfair on Wednesday, Aug. 29 and Bellflower on Thursday, Aug. 30. The Bears will start league play on September 14. Coach Starksen believes that Paramount will once again be the team to beat as they are the defending S.G.V.L. champions. Starksen thinks Downey will be tough as well. Coach Starksen is looking forward to this season and is interested to see how her junior varsity squad from last year adjusts to playing at the varsity level. Coach Starksen's goal for her team is to continue to work hard and "to get better everyday."

********** Published: August 16, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 18