Vanden, Armijo girls fall in SJS tennis playoffs

SACRAMENTO — The Vanden High girls tennis team saw its season come to an end Monday with a 5-4 loss at McClatchy in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II quarterfinals.

It was just the first loss of the year for the Vikings (17-1).

It just about was as close as it could have been with four of the nine matches going to three sets, and tiebreakers needed in four sets.

“We played well today but were unable to capitalize on chances we had in a couple matches,” said Vikings coach Stan Lewis. “We got off to a sluggish start on the road but by the middle of the first set we started to close the early gap which McClatchy had created.”

Vanden’s Jaleena Hust eked out a win at No. 2 singles in a barn-burner, winning 7-5, 7-6 (10-8).

At No. 3, Vanden’s Kaily McDaniel had the quickest match, topping Taylor Chan 6-4, 6-3.

“We were able to fight back to take a couple of the singles matches to three sets but couldn’t maintain the momentum,” Lewis said. “The girls played their hearts out and left everything they had on the court, with the match literally finishing in the dark. Although we lost, the girls should be very proud of their effort today and throughout the season.”

The loss capped a season in which Vanden swept its way to the Solano County Athletic Conference crown.

“We had a great season and I am very proud of the girls’ season,” Lewis said. “We were expected to come in second this year to Benicia and were able to win a second straight league championship with an undefeated regular season and make it to the final eight teams in the playoffs, which was one round further than last year. The girls worked hard all year and accomplished every goal we had set prior to the season.”

Armijo falls to Oak Ridge

EL DORADO HILLS — The Armijo High girls tennis team saw its run come to an end Monday with a 5-4 loss to Oak Ridge in the SJS Division I quarterfinals.

The Indians (16-1) faced a battle as they dropped the first four singles matches.

At No. 5 singles, Armijo’s Linh Nguyen got a win when her opponent retired with Nguyen leading 7-5 in the second set.

Mercedes Uson needed a tiebreak to win her first set over Oak Ridge’s Megab McMillen and won the No. 6 singles match 7-6 (2), 6-3.

“This match was full of ups and downs, everyone battling and fighting tooth and nail,” Indians coach Greg Davis said. “Overall, an outstanding match played with great sportsmanship by two tennis powerhouses.”

The Indians also took the final two doubles matches with Tiffini Mestas and Jasmine Yasar winning at No. 2 doubles and Destiny Blueford and Stephanie Weber getting the ‘W’ at No. 3.

“Oak Ridge was as good as expected,” Davis said. “I am so pleased with our effort today, the doubles was the best of the year and Nguyen and Uson at the bottom of the singles got the job done again. So proud of the way we played today – a credit to the program, our school and our league. The best part is, nine of the players are coming back.”