DOWNEY – The girls’ tennis teams of Downey, Gahr, Lynwood, and Paramount, attended CIF prelims at Warren Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of last week.

On Tuesday, the singles matches were held. Warren’s Nicole Kosakowski led the ladies as No. 1 and did not have to compete because of a first round bye. Kosakowski then played against Downey’s Irene Saavedra and beat her 6-0 and 6-0. Downey’s Sandra Lee played against Lynwood’s Kimberly Lozano and beat her 6-0 and 6-0. She then played Paramount’s Vicky Garcia and defeated her 6-1 and 6-0.

On Thursday Kosakowski moved on to Paramount’s Jenny Ramirez and beat her 6-0 and 6-0. She then played Paramount’s Jessica Ortiz and beat her 6-0 and 6-0. Kosakowski rightfully earned first place in singles.

“I feel good,” said Kosakowski. “I feel really good. I hope to be playing next year too. I prepared by playing every day on a regular basis and kept my same routine every day and I just practiced hard every day. My family is really supportive.”

Lee also played Ortiz and after a long fight lost 4-6, 6-2, and 2-6. She then moved on to play against Paramount’s Jenny Ramirez for third place and got it.

On Wednesday, the doubles matches were held and Downey’s Katie Medina and Janette Rico beat Gahr’s Jennine Garcia and KC Eusebio, 6-1 and 6-0, then on to Gahr’s Destiny Kim and Shannon Komoot whom they beat 6-4 and 6-4.

Then on Thursday, Medina and Rico continued with their streak and defeated Paramount’s Cecilia Segovia and Vanessa Castro, 6-1 and 6-1. Up to that point, the ladies defeated each of their opponent’s with ease until they came across Paramount’s Elizabeth Vega and Thuy Ta when playing in the match for first. Downey’s ladies were defeated but still earned second place, 6-3, 1-6, and 1-6.

“I’m really proud of both of us,” said Medina. “They’ve been playing for like 2 years, and we’re only 3 months.”

Downey’s Rico and Medina, and Warren’s Kosakowski will be moving on to the CIF finals which will be held in late November. Downey’s Lee will be used as an alternate in case one of Downey’s ladies are unable to attend the match.

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Published: November 13, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 30