League girls tennis champions are being crowned all around the county.

By now the contenders have separated themselves from the pretenders.

But in order to succeed in the CIF playoffs it’s a tough nonleague schedule that really makes the difference.

Here are 10 things I know about girls tennis:

1. Newport Harbor has essentially wrapped up a Sunset League title after beating Los Alamitos for a second time, 9-9 (winning by games 70-66). The Sailors defeated the Griffins 9-9 (winning by games 83-72) in their first meeting. Newport Harbor also had a big league victory over Esperanza, 11-7.

2. Valencia dominated Division IV by winning back-to-back CIF titles. Now it looks like the Tigers are ready to do the same at the Division III level now that they have over taken the No. 1 spot in the CIF rankings.

3. Corona del Mar (12-0) blanked Irvine (1-15), 18-0. But more importantly Melissa Matsuoka moved into the singles lineup for the first time this season and didn't lose a game, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0.

This could really make a difference come playoff time.

4. St. Margaret’s might have wrapped up the Academy League title after beating Sage Hill for a third time this season.

The Tartans made it look easy with a 14-4 win against their league rivals. It was the strength of their doubles teams that led them to victory, winning eight of nine matches.

5. Three Orange County teams currently hold the No. 1 spot in the CIF polls: Corona del Mar, Division I, Valencia, Division III, and St. Margaret’s, Division IV.

But there is one team that is flying under the radar and ready to move into the No. 1 slot in Division V – Ocean View.

The Seahawks are currently No. 2 in their division thanks to a deadly singles lineup.

Problem is Ocean View tends to struggle in doubles competition.

Last year the Seahawks made it to semi-finals before losing to Viewpoint the eventual champions, 9-9 (60-55).

6. There are two more verbal commits in the world of tennis. Newport Harbor’s Nelly Radeva, who is 13-0, will play for Cal next year and Estancia’s Elanor Edles is going to play for UC Davis.

7. Capo Valley is making some bring strides as a program. Last year the Cougars qualified for the CIF playoffs, a first after a seven year absence. Now Capo Valley is primed to make a return and a cardio-tennis workout might be its secret to success.

8. I knew some team would pull of a major upset this week. That honor goes to Woodbridge after beating No. 6 Northwood, 11-7, yesterday in a Sea View League matchup.

To read the entire story click here.

9. Here is a round up of some scores reported by coaches from around the county.

Esperanza (10-4) defeated Edison, 12-5.

The Aztecs are now 6-1 in the Sunset League and if they can find a way to be Newport Harbor a share of the title is well within their reach.

No. 4 Valencia (13-1) continues to roll after beating Cypress, 12-6, and Katella, 17-1.

Natalie McKay swept her all three of her singles sets 6-0.

The Tigers are 8-0 in the Empire League.

"With one week left in league, I feel good about where our team is right now," Valencia coach Mike McCall said. "We have been improving steadily, and we hope to continue to do so".

No. 2 Dana Hills (14-1) defeated No. 3 University (11-2), 13-5.

10. Some coaches don’t seem to want to give their team any publicity fearing that their opposition might use the info for matchup purposes. As one reader put it, “At this point, they have finished the first round of play, and there is no competitive reason not to disclose the results.”

Good teams have nothing to hide.

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