Warren girls tennis perfect early on

DOWNEY - The Warren High School girls' tennis team has begun their fall season with two early non-league wins.The Bears, now 2-0, defeated Mayfair at Warren on Aug. 29, 11-7, and an overmatched Bellflower squad at Warren, 17-1, on Aug. 30. Isa Lopez, the Bears number one singles player, soundly defeated her Mayfair opponent and followed that up by sweeping her Bellflower opponent in straight sets 6-0, 6-0 and 6-0. 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. Senior Betty Villareal and junior Stephanie Sifuentes, Warren's number one doubles team, have also performed well and swept the Buccaneers 6-2, 6-1 and 6-2 in doubles play. Coach Starksen is looking forward to seeing how well Villareal and Sifuentes mesh together to compete at a high level. The tandem have certainly performed well thus far and will certainly play a key role in the Bears' success this season. The Bears will start league play on Sept. 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. In order for Warren to be successful this season, some of these younger players must step up and play well. Coach Starksen's goal for her team is to continue to work hard and "to get better everyday."

********** Published: September 6, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 21