Tag Archives: Burbank High

Burbank Softball Loses Tough One To Visiting Arcadia 7-5

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By Rick Assad

 

Playing shorthanded is a tough way to operate, but the Burbank High softball team had to against Arcadia on Monday afternoon.

Even so, the Bulldogs found enough intestinal fortitude to rally from four runs down in the sixth inning, but then gave up two runs in the seventh inning and lost 7-5 in a Pacific League contest at McCambridge Park.

Alyssa Porras went seven innings and took the 7-5 loss. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank managed four hits off sophomore Sophia Garzona, who went seven innings, striking out six and walking three.

Senior Alyssa Porras toured seven frames for the Bulldogs, surrendering 11 hits with three strikeouts and two walks with two hit batters.

The Bulldogs (2-4 and 1-1 in league) were without the services of seniors Nikki Davis and Emily Monterrey along with junior Savannah Benson.

It seemed late in the game that Porras may have been tired, but wasn’t taken out by Burbank coach Mike Delaney.

“We thought about it a couple of times. But where they were in the lineup versus what she was doing with those kids, it didn’t ever come up to it at that point,” Delaney said. “She battled. She missed a few spots, but we didn’t help her with our flat-footedness today. We were flat-footed with our defense.”

The Bulldogs cut Arcadia’s lead to 5-4 with a three-run fifth inning as seven batters trotted to the plate.

Base hits were hard to come by for the Bulldogs, who managed four. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

With none out, senior Izzy Sanchez lined a sharp base hit to center field as senior Sarah Garelick, who walked and sophomore Erika Montoya, who collected a single to left field, both scored.

Senior Alex Davis was safe on a fielder’s choice that scored a run as pinch runner, junior Tiffany Estrada, who came in for Porras, drew a walk.

“Our outfield didn’t help us and our hitting didn’t help us,” Delaney pointed out. “We did not hit in key situations. That’s what we’ve been kind of stressing the last couple of games. We’re all trying to hit the ball over the fence. You hit the ball in the air here, it’s just an out.”

The Apaches (9-1-1 and 2-0 in league) bolted ahead 7-5 in the seventh when senior Deja Westbrook drilled a single to left with one out. Westbrook moved to second base on a grounder by senior Helena Simpson.

Burbank’s infield defense was solid against the Apaches. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A clanging double to left center by freshman Morgan Howey (two hits) scored Westbrook and Howey crossed the plate when senior Karly Gills roped a base hit to center field.

Burbank evened it at 5-5 with a run in the sixth inning as sophomore Lily Stell clubbed a long one-out triple to right center, and Garelick’s grounder drove in the run.

The Apaches opened up a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Simpson’s single up the middle scored sophomore Averi Wong, who singled to left field with one out.

The Bulldogs tied it at 1-1 in the first inning when Davis led off with a booming triple to right center and crossed the plate on a sacrifice bunt from senior Amaya Broyls.

“I think our hitting is what drives us,” Broyls said. “When we’re hitting line drives in the gap, and when we’re getting good hits off her, it gives us a lot momentum and that’s what helps us.”

Broyls then added: It’s been hard with all the rain and we’ve been trying to practice and some girls have been hurt,” she said. “Being a catcher. Being a senior. Being a captain. There’s a lot of pressure and I feel like I need to lead the team along with the other captains. We have the younger players. We all need to step up and do our job.”

A two-run third inning by Arcadia made it 3-1 as Westbrook lined an inside-the-park homer to center field that plated Wong, who was safe on a force out.

The Apaches’ advantage became 5-1 in the fifth inning when Wong’s triple to right center knocked home sophomore Delaney Prater (two hits), who doubled to left center and Westbrook’s grounder scored Wong.

Burbank Baseball Rallies For 5-4 Victory Over Muir

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By Rick Assad

 

For six innings, the Burbank High baseball team managed to score only two runs and trailed by two runs entering the seventh inning.

This all changed as a three-run seventh proved decisive for the host Bulldogs, who rallied and tamed Muir 5-4 in a Pacific League match on Friday night.

Seven batters came to the plate including senior Andrew De La Torre, whose single off senior Brian Love, the losing pitcher, settled into right field as junior Troy Lee, who was safe on a fielder’s choice, scored the game-winning tally.

Ryan King was credited with the victory after picking up for starter Davis Mielowocki. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“Finding a hole and putting the ball anywhere,” De La Torre said of his game-winning single.

When the Bulldogs trailed it looked as though the Mustangs were in position to even the season series at a game apiece.

Was there any doubt that Burbank would win?

“Maybe once or twice, but then we found a way to get it back and pick it up,” De La Torre said of the rally. “We just wanted it more than they did.”

Two batters earlier, senior Cody Winters knocked home two runs with a sharply hit ball that found its way to left field as sophomore Ryan King, who led off by reaching on an error and senior Davis Mielowocki, who walked, both scored.

Love went two and two-third innings, striking out one, walking one with three runs allowed and three hits.

Senior Emilio Martinez gave up four hits, two runs, hit one batter, fanned three and walked four over four innings for the Mustangs.

Muir (6-3 and 0-2 in league) is much improved this season after opening its campaign with five straight wins.

Cody Winters delivered a two-run single for the Bulldogs, who rallied for a 5-4 win over Muir. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“They have speed,” longtime Burbank coach Bob Hart said of the fleet-footed Mustangs. “Speed is a tough opponent sometimes. But the key to that is not give away free bases.”

Though down by two runs entering the seventh, Hart remained confident.

“This team has shown that ability where they’re not going to just sit down the last two innings and call it in,” he said. “Sometimes when you’re chasing one run and that team gets one more, it’s like the nail in the coffin.”

The Mustangs, who lost at home 1-0 to the Bulldogs on Tuesday, scored two of their runs without the benefit of a base hit in the first and third innings.

Burbank (2-3-1 and 2-0 in league) leveled it at 1-1 with a tally in the second inning when junior Jakob Duarte walked with one out.

Davis Mielowocki reached base twice and scored a run in the seventh. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Junior Adam Loera entered as a pinch runner and then advanced to second base on a balk and third base on De La Torre’s single to center field.

De La Torre took off for second base hoping to draw a throw and did, but put on the brakes and raced back to first base.

While this was transpiring, Loera sensed it was time to run and blasted off for home plate with the run.

Burbank tied it at 2-2 in the fourth inning when junior Oaklee Spens lofted a sacrifice fly to left field with one out.

Duarte led off the inning with a double off the screen in right center and advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt from De La Torre, who also singled in the sixth inning.

Burbank’s two pitchers limited the Mustangs to four hits and four runs. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Muir, which stole six bases, took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Mielowocki issued a one-out walk to senior Aryonis Harrison.

Mielowocki allowed three runs over five-plus innings, yielded two hits with 11 strikeouts and three walks.

“I just wanted to make sure I got ahead with my strikes,” Mielowocki said of his outing that saw him fan the side in the second and fourth and strike out two batters in the first and third. “Make sure I could work off that first-pitch strike. Hopefully get some guys out. Have some guys roll over and have my defense work behind me.”

King was credited with the win after touring two frames, giving up two hits with one strikeout and one hit batter.

Harrison then stole second base and third base and scored when Mielowocki uncorked a wild pitch.

Mielowocki walked junior Harper Taylor with two down, but was left stranded when senior Tobias Humphrey struck out.

The Mustangs collected a run in the third and forged ahead 2-1 when Mielowocki walked senior Tyquise Solomon to begin the inning.

Burbank collected five walks off two Muir pitchers. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Solomon swiped second base, took third base on Mielowocki’s wild pitch and scored on a run-producing grounder by Harrison.

Junior Amaris Harrison singled to left field to begin the sixth inning.

Harrison stole second base, took third on a sacrifice bunt from Aryonis Harrison and scored to make it 3-2 on a single to center field by junior Ely Resendiz.

A solo run in the seventh gave the Mustangs a 4-2 edge as senior David Solis was nicked with a pitch by Kings to start the inning.

Solis stole second base and with two out, Solomon delivered a bloop single to left field that plated Solis.

Burroughs, Burbank Baseball Teams Ready To Roar

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By Rick Assad

 

Though the Pacific League hasn’t yet begun, it’s highly likely the Burroughs High and Burbank baseball teams will probably qualify for the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

The Indians and Bulldogs have deep and capable pitching staffs, which is a key factor in having a winning season.

One of Burroughs’ strengths will be its pitching staff, which boasts a dozen hurlers. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs, which is looking to make the playoffs for a fifth straight year, has a dozen pitchers on the staff and all are capable of performing at a high level.

“This is one of our team strengths this year with 12 players able to toss the ball,” longtime Burroughs coach Craig Sherwood said. “While no one pitcher is dominant, there is a staff of very capable pitchers as well as situational pitchers that will be called upon constantly to get outs in big situations.”

If there is an ace it would be senior and three-year starter Nicco Chuidian, while last year’s Pacific League Pitcher of the Year, Xavier Dubon, is a submarine specialist and very effective.

If the Indians are in front and it’s late in the game, the closer and set-up men will be seniors Andres Salazar and Julian Jaramillo.

Burbank works on its defensive prowess. Defense and pitching will be two keys to success. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The long relievers will be senior submariner Michael Le and juniors Tobey Ho, Johnny Angel, Colgan Martin and Matthew Ziegler.

The rest of the Indians’ staff includes seniors Josh Hooker, Brandon Aguilar and Nathaniel Metz.

The Indians participated in three preseason tourneys and they include the prestigious Easton Tournament, which is loaded with talented teams, the Lancaster Rotary West Tournament hosted by Quartz Hill High and the Coach Bob Tournament in Arizona.

The Indians are 2-6, with a 6-5 decision over Lancaster in the Lancaster Rotary West tourney and an 8-1 triumph over Highland in the Quartz Hill tourney.

It’s a close one at first base when the Indians played a recent game against St. Francis. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burroughs will open the league portion with a game at Hoover on March 8.

Behind the plate will be sophomore James Turner and will be supported by junior Albert Prado.

Senior Collin Johnson will play first base, bat in the No. 3 hole and also packs a potent stick.

Johnson, who swings lefthanded, is a power hitter who hits for a high average and will be backed up by senior Chris Magoon.

Second base will be a strong battle between junior Devon Esquivel and senior Preston Lemus, a transfer from Arizona.

Burbank Coach Bob Hart hopes to see a lot of runs and hits during the season. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

When Jaramillo isn’t on the mound, he will toil at third base and will be backed up by junior Hyatt Entz, who played on the boys’ soccer team.

Brian Garcia, a junior all-league pick, will hold down shortstop and bat leadoff for the Indians.

Junior Jorge Gutierrez, who is capable of playing second base and third base, will also see action at shortstop.

Chuidian will play center field when not on the hill and backed up by Salazar and Le.

The rest of the outfield consists of seniors Dylan Rolando and Rio Lopez, and juniors Kevin Gutierrez and Ho.

The utility infielders are seniors Daniel Roman and Hoover transfer Christian Morales, while junior Angel can play in the infield and outfield.

If pitching is crucial to winning, then the Indians are definitely ready. (Photo by Ross A Benson)

The Bulldogs failed to make the playoffs last season, but did advance to the quarterfinals in 2017.

“We have that challenge now,” Burbank coach Bob Hart said of getting back to the postseason. “But they’re going to have to find and accept their roles.”

Hart said despite an 0-3-1 record including a 5-0 loss to powerful Harvard-Westlake in the Easton Tournament, he’s optimistic.

“That was a very respectable game to a very good team,” Hart said of the Wolverines. “I think we’re going to be okay.”

Like its crosstown rival, Burbank, which also had a 3-3 tie against Chatsworth, commence the league season at Muir on March 5, will depend on pitching and will be paced by senior Davis Mieliwocki, who throws 85 to 87 miles per hour.

The Bulldogs can lean heavily on skill, experience and a solid pitching staff. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

When not on the rubber, Mieliwocki, an all-league, second-team selection, is a steady and heady presence at third base.

Senior Joey Clark is also a key starter, while senior Andrew De La Torre, junior Jakob Duarte and sophomore Ryan King, who is the starting shortstop, will all need to be productive on the hill.

The rest of the pitching staff includes juniors Josh Balos, Willem Clendenin, while Troy Lee and King and Clark will be the primary closers.

The catching duties will primarily fall upon juniors Dominick Severo and Alberto Ayala.

Duarte, Lee and Clark will play first base, senior Kenny Won and junior Tyler LaMarsna will see action at second base and senior Daniel Ruiz will back up Mieliwocki at third base and senior Gevork Leklyan will also see time at third base.

Junior Oaklee Spens will patrol center field, De La Torre will play left field and junior Aidan Gonzalez will see time in left field.

The remainder of the outfield consists of seniors Cody Winters and Vincent Romano and juniors Justin Robinson and Adam Loera.

Burroughs, Burbank Softball Primed For Something Special

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By Rick Assad

 

Because of the talent available, it would seem that if the Burbank High and Burroughs softball teams don’t qualify for the CIF Southern Section playoffs, its respective seasons will not be considered very successful.

Burbank is coming off a campaign in which it went 16-12 overall and 10-4 for third place in the Pacific League.

It’s all for one and one for all as the Bulldogs ready for the Pacific League season. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Bulldogs played in a Division IV wild-card match against Norwalk and fell 4-2.

Burroughs went 14-5-1 and 12-2 for second in league and after defeating Bonita 2-0 in a Division III opening-round game, lost to Redlands 4-0 in the second round.

“I believe that we’ll do fairly well this year,” Burroughs coach Wes Tanigawa said. “I brought up a few new girls from the JV. Overall we should be pretty successful, but softball is the way it is and you never know how the ball is going to go.”

The Indians are gunning for another CIF Southern Section playoff appearance. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Tanigawa is optimistic about this squad.

“These girls that we have are a really good core group. They work together. They pick each other up,” he noted.

Tanigawa also likes that the team doesn’t rely on one aspect of the game.

“I don’t really necessarily see one thing as our strength,” he pointed out. “We’ve lost our star pitcher [Presley Miraglia]. We have pitching. I’ve got a freshman who is looking really good. I brought up a few girls with hopefully a couple of bats.”

To date, Burroughs lost to Newbury Park 8-0 in the Suzanne Manlet Tournament and collected a 3-2 victory over San Fernando in the same tourney.

The Indians begin league play on March 5 when Pasadena makes a visit and will host Burbank on March 29 and travel to the Bulldogs on April 25.

Beside Miraglia, other key performers that graduated includes outfielder Hannah Talavera and second baseman Nikki Ricciardella.

The most valued commodity is always pitching and the Bulldogs, who lost Allie Benson to graduation, have a good one in senior Alyssa Porras.

Infield play is always vital, so the Bulldogs practice being perfect. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Mike Delaney, the Burbank coach, thinks this should be a productive season.

“If we play to our ability, and we have some kids that step up, we can compete with anybody,” h said. “Our kids don’t shy away from competing with anybody. We play a tough tournament schedule because it helps us in league. CV is probably the team to beat this year.”

Like Tanigawa, Delaney is also optimistic.

“If we play the way we can, we’re a top three team for sure,” he said. “If we play even better than that, we can be a top two. I’m not discounting this team from anything.”

Burbank has lost to Louisville 6-4 in the Hart Tournament and fell to Calabasas 6-4 in the same tourney. The Bulldogs commence league action on March 5 when they host Glendale.

Backing up Porras, who worked many innings in 2018, and will be asked to toe the rubber for 200 innings this season, will be junior Savannah Benson, Allie’s younger sister.

Chloe Bookmyer will be asked to be a team leader for the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A key member will be senior Alex Davis, who will be the primary shortstop.

Senior Amaya Broyls, a member of the volleyball team, will see the majority of the time behind the plate for Burbank, which lost to graduation first baseman Erin Lashkari, infielder/outfielder Anysia Gonzalez and outfielder/second baseman Macie Jensen.

Senior Nikki Davis and senior Carly Oldfield will battle for first base.

Senior Desiree Gomez is the primary third baseman and will relieve Broyls on occasion as the catcher.

Sophomore Erika Montoya, who played on the basketball team, will play second base.

Burbank is aiming for the top spot in the Pacific League after finishing third last season. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank’s outfield will include senior Sarah Garelick in left field, senior Izzy Sanchez in right field and sophomore Victoria Sanchez in center field.

The rest of the team includes senior Emily Monterrey, who also played on the basketball team, will play at first and third base and act as the designated player.

Senior Siena Fagiani will be used in a utility role and designated player, while freshman Bella Scozzola will play first base, third base and the outfield.

Junior Tiffany Estrada will see time in the outfield and be used as a utility player. Junior Jordyn Rivero will play in the outfield, utility and designated player, and freshman Elizabeth Zamora will play in the outfield, designated player and utility.

The Indians go over infield practice knowing its value. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Indians have four starting pitchers and they will need to at least come close to what Miraglia, a member of the Long Beach State women’s softball team, accomplished in her stellar career.

The two with the most experience in the circle are junior Sidnie Dabaddie and junior Isabella Kam.

The other two hurlers are sophomore Dyani Del Castillo, who played on the basketball team and freshman Kelsey Acosta.

The catching chore will fall upon the dependable shoulders of senior Megan Williams.

The projected infield for Burroughs will have senior Sierra Harvey at first base, senior Morgan Mersola at second base, sophomore Alyssa Valenzuela at shortstop and junior Memorie Munoz at third base.

The Indians’ outfield will consist of senior Hannah Skinner in left field, senior Mia Storer in center field and junior Chloe Bookmyer, the league’s Most Valuable Player Hitter, in right field.

The rest of the lineup will have senior Jillian Kukawski, also a member of the basketball team at third base, senior Lauryn Valenzuela at shortstop, senior Citlali Mendez at shortstop, junior Sami Fiorella in the infield and catcher and sophomore Kaitlyn Cisneros in the infield and utility.

Burroughs, Burbank Boys Volleyball Reaching For Big Prize

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By Rick Assad

 

Expectations are usually high for the Burroughs High and Burbank boys’ volleyball teams when it comes to the Pacific League race and beyond.

The Indians have captured the league title nine straight seasons, so naturally a 10th is a goal along with advancing far in the CIF Southern Section tournament.

“I think we have a good group of learners,” longtime Burroughs coach Joel Brinton said. “They show up to practice every day. They work hard. They’re open to the feedback. They want to be critiqued. They want to be coached.”

Brinton knows that nothing is ever given, but can rely on two strengths. “Even though we have a lot of seniors, we also have a lot of youth,” he noted. “I hope it will be our serving and our passing. I want our serving and passing to be our rocks.”

Junior outside hitter Connor Burroughs is a leader and offensive weapon for the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Bulldogs made the playoffs and despite not winning the league title, also have serious designs on the prize.

Burroughs opened its season with a sweep of visiting South Pasadena, but lost at Palos Verdes.

The Indians bounced back with a sweep over Culver City in the Redondo Tournament, but dropped matches to Newbury Park, Redondo Union, Peninsula and Loyola.

“The guys have to understand that there’s nothing ever given. Everything is earned,” Brinton said of being the defending league champion.

Burroughs began its league season on Wednesday with a three-game shutout at Glendale and will play at Burbank on March 29 and then host the Bulldogs on April 23.

Senior middle hitter Dawson Koerper, shown in a recent match, will be a steady contributor for the Bulldogs. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

In any given match, the Burroughs’ offensive leaders will vary, but one that will always be at or near the top, is junior outside hitter Connor Burroughs.

Senior libero Sam Tipton will also have eyes on him and though a sophomore, setter Carter Cottrell is also vital.

There are eight seniors and aside from Tipton, includes outside hitter Luke Kvarda, outside/opposite hitter Evan Troncoso, middle/outside hitter Rickey Kahlon, setter Steven Grandinetti, outside hitter Caleb Reyes, middle hitter Jagger Green and middle hitter Louis Zekowski.

Sophomore setter Carter Cottrell will be a key cog for the Indians. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Other members includes junior middle hitter Ellington Simmons, junior outside hitter Malek Sadi and junior middle hitter Troy Outwater.

The rest are sophomore libero/outside hitter Cole Kvarda, sophomore middle hitter Shay Thornton and sophomore outside/opposite hitter Kade McGovern.

The Bulldogs, who began their campaign with a loss at Harvard-Westlake, rebounded with victories over Hart and Viewpoint, are primed for a successful season with senior outside/opposite hitter Chase Marcy leading the way.

Karl Rojo, the Burbank coach, likes what he has to work with. “Take it day-by-day and make sure we improve by two percent every day,” he said. “They need to focus on the effort and not worry about results.”

Senior setter Brandon Villaflor gets the Bulldogs’ offense in motion. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Rojo then continued: “They need to play with maximum effort every time. Their goals are playing well consistently, trying to knock off the big three [Burroughs, Crescenta Valley and Arcadia] and go as far as we can in the CIF,” he noted.

Senior opposite hitter Jack Raytis will also be asked to lead while senior setter Brandon Villaflor will get the ball to the hitters.

Senior middle blocker Kalam Park will have a key role as will senior Ryan Rickey for the Bulldogs, who begin their league trek with a match against visiting Hoover on Feb. 28.

The other seniors include opposite/middle blocker Luca Bily, middle hitter Dawson Koerper, setter Jason Kwon, libero Ryan Mehta, defensive specialist Minkyu Shin, middle blocker Kalam Park, opposite/outside hitter Dylan Vigar and outside hitter Nathan Mehta.

Also on the squad are junior defensive specialist Joe Gomez, junior outside hitter Kourosh Dolatshahi, junior middle blocker Eric Galoustian and sophomore outside/opposite hitter Jonathan Coleman.

Burbank Boys Tennis Downs Visiting Hoover 14-4

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By Rick Assad

 

A sturdy and dominant display by the Burbank High boys’ doubles squad saw them sweep visiting Hoover which helped catapult the Bulldogs to a 14-4 victory in a Pacific League match on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile the Burbank singles, No. 1, junior Sid Denduluri, No. 2, freshman Yash Desai and No. 3, sophomore Hakop Kerimyan, played well, capturing five of the nine points.

Burbank’s No. 1 singles, Sid Denduluri, had an off day, winning only one set versus Hoover. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Bulldogs now have two matches under their belt, both victories, including a 10-8 triumph over Glendale.

The Tornadoes haven’t been as fortunate, losing three, as Burroughs won 13-5 and Crescenta Valley was also victorious, 15-3.

Burbank’s No. 1 duo, senior Ethan Lee and sophomore Abasi Abukusumo knocked off Hoover’s No. 1, sophomore Kevin Nazarian and sophomore Benji Choi 6-0.

Lee/Abukusumo then defeated No. 2, junior George Sakellariou and freshman Eric Chakhoyan 6-0.

The duo also drilled Hoover’s No. 3, freshman Haik Aslanyan and freshman Edwin Barseghian 6-0.

At No. 2, junior Parker Katz and junior Dominic Sumera, were highly effective versus the same pairs, faring 6-2, 6-0, 6-0.

The Bulldogs’ No. 3 duo, senior Greg Gevojanyan and junior Daniel Khrlobian, went 6-1, 6-4, 6-0, over the same Hoover teams.

The Bulldogs’ doubles team swept the Tornadoes en route to a 14-4 win. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Denduluri, who when on his game, is a tough nut to crack, seemed strangely off from the outset.

At several junctures, Denduluri made unforced hitting errors and offered a less than accurate first serve, which forced a weaker second serve.

“For the one’s I played, I just was overthinking it,” Denduluri said of the two setbacks. “With my skill set, I should have been able to beat both of them.”

Denduluri went on: “I’m a little bit under the weather right now, I have a sore throat, but that’s not the full reason. I went out to bad starts in both games. That got into my head. Once you get off to a bad start, you feel the pressure, so you say to yourself, I got off to a bad start, so I have to really pick it up. That got to me. I was overthinking every ground stroke, every serve,” he noted.

Sid Denduluri expects more of himself and hopes to rebound versus Arcadia. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Denduluri said his service and forehand are his bread and butter.

“Usually I have a great serve. I can rely on my first serve. But I got almost none in,” he pointed out. “My serve is much better. I was so petrified of double faulting.”

Hoover freshman, No. 1 Edward Markosian defeated Denduluri 6-2 and No. 3, senior Anthony Ghadimi survived 6-4.

Denduluri’s 6-0 victory came when sophomore Vahe Haleblian forfeited due to an injured ankle.

Desai defeated Haleblian 6-3 and Ghadimi 6-2, but Markosian prevailed 6-2. Kerimyan staved off Markosian 6-3, and Haleblian 5-2 (retired with the ankle injury) while Ghadimi won 6-4.

Burbank High Boys Volleyball Extended Four Sets By Hart

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By Rick Assad

 

Only two matches have been played and the Burbank High boys’ volleyball team has balanced its books after defeating Hart on Thursday afternoon.

The nonleague battle was extended to four sets and claimed by the Bulldogs, 25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 25-22.

Burbank senior opposite hitter/middle blocker Luca Bily goes for a point in a match against Hart. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank was swept in its season opener on Tuesday by host Harvard-Westlake, but two of the three sets were close, having been decided by two and four points.

“I think our energy was very good in the first two sets. We were passing well. The hitters were expressing themselves really well,” Burbank coach Karl Rojo said. “I think the setter was being dynamic with where he was going.”

There was a slight dip in the third frame.

“Maybe in the third we let up a little bit,” Rojo noted. “Getting my guys opportunities to figure it out. I’m glad these guys figured it out in the fourth. It was staying level-headed. They stayed tough-minded.”

The host Bulldogs came out in the fourth set and led 7-4 on a kill from senior outside hitter/opposite hitter Chase Marcy (match-best 12 kills) as the Indians called for a time out.

Joe Gomez delivered 16 digs and two aces as the Bulldogs fended off the Indians in four sets. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The lead became 9-4 on another spike from Marcy, but Hart evened it at 10-10 on an ace from Darin Dietz, as the Bulldogs requested time.

“In game three we just kinda clicked. I kind of let the game come to them,” Hart coach Loy Mueller said. “In game one and two, we were fighting against each other. I just let them play.”

Mueller is in his first season at Hart.

“I’m happy with what I saw at the end of game two to about halfway through game four,” he said.

Burbank evened it at 13-13 on a kill from Marcy (five digs and two aces), but Hart’s Jake Meyers leveled it at 14-14.

Jack Raytis had eight kills and two blocks for Burbank. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

When senior setter Brandon Villaflor (41 assists and four digs) hit a tapper, the Bulldogs scurried ahead 17-16.

A kill from Hart’s Ezra Moore evened it at 17-17, but Marcy’s spike forced a stoppage as the Bulldogs charged ahead 20-18.

Burbank vaulted in front 24-21 on consecutive kills from senior middle blocker Kalam Park (five kills) and the set and match was secured on a serving error by Meyers.

The first set saw the Bulldogs (1-1) race ahead 4-0 on a hitting error from Moore. A kill from senior opposite hitter Jack Raytis (eight kills and two blocks) gave the Bulldogs a 7-4 edge.

Burbank’s lead swelled to 8-4 on a block from Villaflor and an ace from Raytis made it a 9-4 as the Indians (0-2) requested time out.

Chase Marcy paced Burbank with a match-high 12 kills and five digs and two aces. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Marcy’s dagger made it 11-6 and a blast from Raytis pushed the lead to 14-8.

A kill from Raytis gave Burbank a 15-9 cushion and it became 16-10 on Park’s bullet.

A winner from Raytis pushed it to 18-14 and when Marcy added back-to-back winners, Burbank’s lead swelled to 21-16 as the Indians, who were swept by Alemany in their initial match, asked for a stoppage.

Marcy’s kill saw the Bulldogs surge ahead 23-19, a tapper from Park made it 24-19 and an ace from junior middle blocker Eric Galoustian capped the set.

The second game was tied at 1-1 and 4-4, but Galoustian’s block gave the Bulldogs a 6-4 margin. A spike from Marcy made it 9-6 and Burbank seized control at 10-8 on a kill from Park.

Villaflor’s service ace made it 11-8 and a tap from Raytis pushed it to 12-8. A hitting error by Meyers made it 14-9 as the Indians asked for time.

Crisp and accurate passing is always crucial as Chase Marcy shows. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Consecutive service aces from junior libero Joe Gomez (match-best 16 digs and two aces) pushed the lead to 18-10, as the visitors asked for a stoppage.

Villaflor’s kill made it 21-13, but when Marcy’s attempt sailed out of bounds, the Indians came within 21-17 as Burbank requested time out.

A combined stuff by senior outside hitter/opposite hitter Ryan Rickey (seven kills and 11 digs) and Villaflor extended the lead to 22-18, and Marcy’s kill saw the Bulldogs dash ahead two games to none.

The third set was level at 1-1, 3-3 and 7-7 before Rickey’s winner made it 9-7 as Hart needed a time out.

When Villaflor and senior middle hitter Dawson Koerper combined on a block, the Bulldogs powered in front 15-11.

Hart rallied and outscored Burbank 7-2 and led 18-17 as Rickey hit a ball out of bounds. A kill from Raytis evened it at 18-18, but the Indians moved ahead 21-19 on Rickey’s service error.

Alex Schmidt’s kill handed Hart a 23-21 edge and Schmidt’s smash gave the Indians the set.

Burroughs Boys Soccer Takes Pacific League Title With 4-0 Victory Over Burbank

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By Rick Assad

 

Some players simply have a nose for the ball. Manny Gonzalez does and it usually results in a goal.

On Thursday afternoon, Gonzalez, a sophomore forward, had a hat trick and it helped the Burroughs High boys’ soccer team secure a 4-0 victory over host Burbank in a Pacific League finale.

The Indians also became the league champion after Arcadia and Crescenta Valley battled to a 2-2 tie.

Burroughs’ Esteban Alcantar (#10) and Burbank’s Jae Lee fight for the ball. The Indians won 4-0. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The opening half was close with the only score coming in the 37th minute on a 15-yarder from Gonzalez, who could have been called for being offside after receiving a pass.

“We were all facing adversity. Trying to get it going. Trying to get in a groove,” Gonzalez said of the initial half. “The referees were calling what they were calling. It went in [the first goal] and it changed the game.”

Gonzalez collected his second tally after making a clever juke move that brought out Burbank’s goalie.

From there, it was fairly easy as Gonzalez tapped in a five-yarder in the 44th minute to make it 2-0.

Gonzalez’s third goal came in the same manner with another slick move that brought out the goalie and a five-yard kick in the 63rd minute that extended the lead to 3-0.

Burbank’s Michael Danielian and Burroughs’ Matthew Cardenas try to control the ball. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“My goals don’t mean anything without these guys,” said Gonzalez, who has the freshman school-record of 15 goals and 17 this season, which is a school mark for sophomores. “They [teammates] feed me the ball. They constantly support me even when they don’t go in.”

When senior goalie Alfredo Tejeda was asked to kick a 25-yard penalty kick in the 74th minute, the Indians’ lead swelled to 4-0.

“It’s a rivalry game. Burbank came to play. I’m not surprised,” Burroughs coach Michael Kodama said. “The big play was Manny’s goal just before the half.”

Burbank’s best opportrinity to score came in the 61st minute when sophomore midfielder Nick Diaz’s 20-yarder hit the left post. A 30-yard free kick by Diaz came in the second minute.

Elias Galaviz (#24) and Sam Hawksworth (#14) are in a battle for the ball. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Junior midfielder Dylan Mahoney had a 45-yarder in the sixth minute for the Indians (14-5-3 and 10-2-1 in league) and senior midfielder Sam Hawksworth tossed in a 20-yard header in the sixth minute.

Junior defender Levon Sahakyan contributed a 40-yard free kick in the ninth minute for the Bulldogs (3-10-3 and 2-9-3 in league).

Senior forward Matthew Cardenas tacked on a 35-yarder in the 19th minute for the Indians, who beat the Bulldogs 4-1 in the first meeting this season and also won the league banner in 2017.

Junior defender Sebastian Causarano had a 40-yarder in the 23rd minute for Burbank.

Sophomore forward Elias Galaviz had a 15-yarder that the Burbank goalie scooped up in the 23rd minute.

Luis Cortes (#2) for Burroughs and Burbank’s Steven Tom chase the soccer ball. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Junior forward Allen Arsenian’s 30-yarder sailed too high over the net in the 25th minute for the Bulldogs.

The Indians, who were called for six offside penalties in the opening half, closed out the first half with a 25-yarder in the 26th minute by Hawksworth, a 20-yard that drifted wide right in the 27th minute by Galaviz and a 35-yard free kick in the 35th minute by senior forward Estaban Alcantar.

Diaz had a 20-yarder in the 45th minute and senior defender Ocelotl Tellez added a 15-yard header in the 54th minute for the Bulldogs.

Hawksworth had a 15-yarder in the 57th minute and Galaviz had a corner kick in the 58th minute.

Gonzalez delivered a 25-yarder in the 71st minute and Alcantar tossed in a 15-yarder in the 75th minute.

Alcantar added a 32-yarder in the 76th minute, Cardenas a 25-yard free kick in extra time and Gonzalez had a 25-yarder in the extra frame.

 

 

 

Burroughs Girls Basketball Fends Off Host Burbank 51-41

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By Rick Assad

 

Basketball is usually filled with momentum shifts, and it was as a 20-point eruption in the second quarter by the Burroughs High girls’ basketball team helped tilt its Pacific League finale against host Burbank in favor of the Indians.

Osanna Tirityan scored a game-high 20 points for Burbank in a 51-41 loss to Burroughs. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Kayla Wrobel, Nicole Rumfola and Faith Boulanger each dropped in 11 points in a 51-41 decision over the Bulldogs on Thursday night before a capacity crowd.

“Our league is a tough league,” Burroughs coach Vicky Oganyan said. “If you expect to not come in and have a tough game, you really don’t know what’s happening.”

Oganyan doesn’t mind using the bench and has confidence in that group.

“We always tell them. Be ready to go. If your number gets called and you go in the game, it’s your opportunity to perform,” she said.

Kayla Wrobel (#11) and Nicole Rumfola (#0) battle for the ball. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank (15-13 and 6-8 in league) came out strong and took a 9-7 lead into the second quarter as four players scored, including senior swingman Osanna Tirityan, who tallied two of her game-high 20 points.

Tirityan delivered 14 points in the second half.

The Indians (21-7 and 10-4 in league), who outrebounded the Bulldogs, 41-30, hit seven of 15 attempts in the second quarter.

Burroughs outscored Burbank 20-10 in the period and led 27-19 heading into the locker room.

The Indians, who will likely play a CIF Southern Section playoff game on the road, committed eight turnovers at the half, but only three in the second half.

Emily Monterrey looks for an open player while being guarded by Ariana Farias. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Six players scored for Burroughs, which ended the regular season with three consecutive victories after falling to visiting Crescenta Valley 32-29 on Jan. 22, including Jillian Kukawski, who had all eight points in the second frame.

Kukawski, a senior shooting guard, nailed two key three-pointers and a hoop.

A trey from Kukawski at the 4:40 mark made it 19-14 and Kukawski’s three-pointer with 2:10 left pushed the lead to 25-14.

The third quarter belonged to Rumfola, a senior forward who scored six points as the Indians (34.6 percent on 17 of 49 from the field) forged ahead 40-31.

Rumfola grabbed nine rebounds and handed out four assists while Wrobel, a sophomore power forward, snatched a game-best 14 rebounds.

Kayla Wrobel, who scored 11 points, is shown going to the basket. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Tirityan tallied nine points in the third period for the Bulldogs (14 of 41 from the floor for 34.1 percent).

Boulanger, a sophomore center, had seven points at the half and canned one of the six three-pointers made by Burroughs.

“What it came down to is that they handed us such a bad beating [71-34] the first time we played them and that in this game my girls needed to know that they can compete,” Burbank co-coach Jett Del Mundo said. “We started out well and they made a run and it took us a little while to regain our composure. But then we answered and our will to win was there and we fought.”

A third and final three-pointer from sophomore shooting guard Erika Montoya (nine points) sliced the Indians’ margin to 40-34 with 5:45 left, but Rumfola’s trey with 2:05 showing gave Burroughs a 48-38 advantage.

Neither squad was especially effective at the free-throw line as Burroughs made 11 of 24 for 45.8 percent and Burbank, which hit five treys and isn’t guaranteed a CIF playoff spot, connected on eight of 18 for 44.4 percent.

Junior guard Ariana Farias tossed in five points, junior guard A’sia Morales added four points and senior forward Jhazmin Piitts tacked on one point for the Indians.

Senior center Sofia Aslanyan scored five points and junior guard Briana Castro had three points for Burbank.

Sophomore small forward Jayla Flowers along with senior point guard Emily Monterrey each added two points for the Bulldogs.

Burroughs Girls Water Polo Ends Regular Season With 8-1 Win Against Burbank

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By Rick Assad

 

Under ideal weather conditions and a large crowd, the Burroughs High girls’ water polo team hosted city rival Burbank on Wednesday afternoon.

The Indians started off quickly, were not threatened in any real sense by the Bulldogs and after 28 minutes of action, Burroughs garnered an 8-1 Pacific League triumph.

As usual, the Indians, who own a four-match winning streak after falling to Crescenta Valley, 9-6, on Jan. 8, were led by senior Aleah Orozco, who delivered four goals and two assists, including three tallies at the intermission.

Burroughs seized command 2-0 after the opening quarter and were ahead 4-1 at the half.

Burroughs goalie Emmanuella Nathan had 11 saves in an 8-1 victory over rival Burbank. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

“When I look back on water polo I think about my team,” said Orozco, who will not play water polo in college, but has applied to a half dozen universities including UCLA, UC Berkeley and Stanford. “We have a really good dynamic. We’ve been kind of unsure into the season, but as it’s progressed, we realize how strong we can become together. We have really high hopes.”

Up next for Burroughs will be the league playoffs followed by the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

The Indians (8-7 and 5-1 in league) then added three goals in the third period and tacked on a solo goal in the fourth frame.

“It wasn’t an easy game. They [Burbank] put up a good fight on defense,” Burroughs coach Jacob Cook said. “They put up a lot of good shots on Emma. I thought both teams played really well.”

The scoring began with 4:34 left in the initial frame when Orozco tossed in a point-blank shot past goalie Suzy Misiryan, who finished with 10 saves.

Orozco then unloaded a three-footer with 1:32 showing on an assist from Camila Panozo as the Indians moved ahead 2-0.

When Orozco let go an 18-footer with some help from Brianna Meneses and 6:19 left in the second quarter, Burroughs’ lead swelled to 3-0.

The Indians capped off their regular season at home against the Bulldogs. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Bulldogs (6-14 and 2-4 in league) sliced the deficit to 3-1 when senior Michelle Morlock scored on a 12-footer that buzzed by goalie Emmanuella Nathan with 3:16 left in the opening half.

“We must have had at least 20, 25 shots, but we weren’t hitting them,” Burbank interim coach Zack Card said. “But it could have. It would have been a different game if we had more experience.”

Several of Burbank’s shots either hit the crossbar or the sidebars and others just missed going into the net by a mere foot.

Panozo’s 12-foot loft with a slick pass from Orozco and 19 seconds left gave the Indians a three-goal lead.

When Meneses scored from 14 feet with a handy assist from Jaelynn Bijasa and 4:33 showing in the third quarter, the advantage expanded to 5-1.

Panozo’s 12-foot tally on a long pass from Nathan made it a five-goal lead and 1:20 remaining in the third quarter.

An 18-foot goal from Bijasa and an assist from Orozco with 43 seconds left on the ticker made it 7-1.

Orozco had the only goal in the fourth quarter and it came with 2:17 remaining and was a 10-foot dart.

The Burroughs junior varsity girls’ water polo team is having an incredible season and is undefeated and should bolster next year’s varsity squad which will see 10 players graduating.

This past weekend, the Indians, who are 17-0 including a win over Burbank on Wednesday, captured the Alta Loma Tournament and had victories over Redondo Beach, Chino Hills, Arcadia, Notre Dame and Santiago in the championship match.