Lady Cards seek third straight NAL crown

The stakes are high for the Corning girls tennis program as the Lady Cardinals seek to three-peat as Northern Athletic League champions.

The Lady Cardinals have dominated the NAL recently, winning the league pennant in 2008 and 2009. Last year's campaign was flawless (11-0 NAL, 15-2).

Returning for Corning this year are: Mayela Luevano, Victoria Owens, Dorinda Walker, Sarah Drum, Cora Bryant and Kathy Mahutga.

Owens burst onto the tennis scene last season and earned All-League honors in both singles and doubles, pairing up with her older sister Mellissa to take second place in doubles.

Mellissa Owens graduated along with Jessica Jones, Magali Hernandez and Sonya Scott. Scott was a two-time All-League performer in singles and paired with Hernandez to place third in doubles last year.

Hernandez and Drum were both undefeated in singles last year, and Drum anticipates moving up the ladder this season.

Corning has some exciting talent coming up as well, with newcomers Elle Davis and Monique Davis. Both started against Red Bluff in last week's 2010 debut and posted victories to help Corning win, 6-3.

Lady Cardinals coach Lou Buran has another deep roster with 15 players, including: Patricia Diaz, Lizvet Garcia, Michelle Gardner, Alex Hofmann, Viviana Morales, Libby Ramirez and Mikkaila Ward all looking to move up the ladder as well.

Corning remains the team to beat in the NAL until a contending squad from West Valley, Yreka, Central Valley or Anderson proves otherwise. Everyone plays each other three times during the regular season.

Corning (1-0) headed to Cottonwood on Tuesday to open league against West Valley, and hosts Central Valley on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Contact Paul Gadbois at 824-1036.