Mission Viejo, CA — Jr. Varsity “S” squad dropped their first match of the early season with tough loss at Huntington Beach, 10 - 8, but not from lack of effort. After losing the opening round 1-5 with Alma Bayat winning the only set at line 2 singles, the Lions began to roar back splitting the 2nd round at 3 each for a set score of 8 - 4 in favor of HB. Alma and Neeka Barkhordar both picked up singles wins, with Olivia Nowlan and Natalia Gitibin winning an exciting tie-breaker (10-8!) JSerra pounced in the 3rd round, but landed a bit short, ALMOST winning 5 of 6 sets which would have resulted a 9-9 tie. Cecilia Nama and Neeka won single sets, as we picked up 2 huge doubles sets as well. Natalia won her 2nd set of the afternoon, this time with another lefty, Hailey Klein. On the next court over, the 9th grade duo of Caitlyn Davidson and Sophia Stewart took early control and closed out with aggressive net play for a 6 - 4 win. With all her “varsity” sisters watching and cheering, Alma came from behind to force a tie-breaker, and then fought off 2 set points before bowing out 6-8. She was 2 points shy of being the only Lion winning 3 sets this afternoon, playing singles in the heat. Congrats on a great afternoon. Next up: Thursday, Sept. 8th vs St. Margaret’s, 3pm.