Burbank squads beaten in playoffs

BURBANK HIGH — There was a playoff double dip taking place Tuesday at Burbank High.

Not only was the girls' tennis team hosting Great Oak in a CIF Southern Section Division II wild-card match, just a few steps away the Bulldogs boys' water polo team was taking on visiting La Salle in a Division V playoff contest.

Unfortunately for Burbank, both of the teams had something else in common beside playing at home: both suffered losses.

While the tennis team was beaten, 11-7, the water polo squad fell, 10-6.

Both teams were in their contests late, only to suffer losses.

"I told our guys if we lose to a better team, we lose to a better team," said water polo Coach Carlos Pelayo. "La Salle just played better than we did today."

The Bulldogs (13-13), the No. 4 team from the Pacific League, were down by one goal, 6-5, after three quarters. But the Lancers (18-9) — an at-large team from the Prep League — came on in the fourth to seal the victory.

The Bulldogs received a big effort in goal from Jonas Padervinskas, who made 11 blocks.

Burbank (6-11) tennis Coach Loi Phan said he figured his contest would be close.

"Just watching [Great Oak] warm up, it looked like they were a lot like us," said Phan, whose squad was fourth in the Pacific League. "I thought it was going to be a close one."

Great Oak (11-9) is an at-large team from the Southwestern League.

The Bulldogs received a solid effort from their No. 2 and No. 3 singles. At No. 2, Ashley Basco went, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2, and Meredy Gharabegi went, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2.

The contest was tied at three after the first of three rounds, and the Wolfpack took a 7-5 advantage after the second round.

"As young as we are this season, just being able to make it to the playoffs is an accomplishment for these girls," Phan said.

Burbank had a number of returning players decide not to come out for the team prior to the season.