Vaqueros start strong in singles

NORTHEAST GLENDALE — From the first spot in the Glendale Community College's women's tennis team's singles lineup to the third, there figures to be plenty of competition.

Having Sofia Tavitian, Samantha Sismundo and Sevana Zargarian occupying those spots will also likely net the Vaqueros many points, leaving Glendale college Coach Bob Donaghy the good fortune of tailoring his lineup to the team's needs.

The trio started the season off on the right note Thursday afternoon, as it combined to lose only one game in Glendale college's 7-2 nonconference victory against College of the Sequoias.

Sophomore Samantha Sismundo, who swept her two sets against Rebecca Blackwell before teaming with Zargarian to record an 8-0 doubles win, said the Vaqueros were eager to begin their season and start fast against Sequoias (0-1).

"We are a lot stronger first to third in singles and the competition level is going to be great," said Sismundo, a Glendale High graduate. "Hopefully, we can get enough wins and challenge [in the Western State Conference].

"I'm satisfied with the way I played. I needed to be able to go out there and place the ball well. It was good practice for me. In doubles, Sevana and I have a lot of experience and we know what to expect. We've played together for a long time."

The Vaqueros won five of six singles sets. Tavitian won, 6-0, 6-0 against Larissa Clem and Zargarian, who also starred at Glendale High, posted a 6-0, 6-1 victory against Stephanie Garcia.

In addition, Katherine Akmakji topped Cerena Ortiz, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, and Brianna Hayes netted a 6-2, 6-2 victory against Vanessa Hernandez.

"We have some great athletes in singles and all are equally very good," Donaghy said. "That's a very nice problem to have."

Tatitian and Hayes combined for an 8-0 doubles win against Blackwell and Ortiz.

The Giants got a 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 singles win from Valerie Valencia against Zar Chavdarian, a Hoover High graduate. They also received a 9-7 doubles win from the tandem of Hernandez and Valencia against Chavdarian and Nerrissa Fnu.

The Vaqueros will next compete in another nonconference home match at 2 p.m. Tuesday against Mount San Antonio College.