Bulldogs

BURBANK - Following a stretch of multiple practices that occurred during their spring break session, the members of the Burbank High boys' volleyball team were eager to compete in a match again. The results turned out positive, as Derian Blandon finished with seven kills and eight digs to power Burbank to a convincing 25-17, 25-20, 25-14 Pacific League home win over Hoover. “We spent the last week or so focusing on things we needed to improve on, like serving tougher and our transition offense,” said Burbank Coach Patrick McMenamin, whose team improved to 6-7, 3-1 in league.

BURBANK - Standing atop of the mound, Angel Villagran realized he had a no-hitter going. With his mind occupied on throwing strikes and staying composed in the moment, the Burbank High senior pitcher wasn't aware of something more significant - the first perfect game of his career. PHOTOS: Burbank vs. Hoover boys' baseball Villagran reached the milestone when the right-hander reared back and fired a called third strike for the final out to help host Burbank post a 10-0 win against Hoover on Friday afternoon in a Pacific League opening contest for both teams that was called in the middle of the fifth inning because of the 10-run mercy rule.

BURBANK - Sorry for the pun Burbank High, but the big dog in local boys' volleyball is still Burroughs. The Bulldogs found that out first-hand Thursday when the cross-town rivals met for the first of two matches this season. Upstart Burbank came into the contest undefeated and sitting atop the Pacific League standings after sweeping its first two league opponents. However, the Indians quickly brought the Bulldogs back down to earth. Burroughs built big leads and took advantage of Burbank mistakes to sweep the host Bulldogs, 25-16, 25-14, 25-16.

BOYS' TENNIS Burroughs 16, Glendale 2 : The Indians improved to 3-0 in the Pacific League with the victory Thursday at home. Arcadia 10, Burbank 8 : The Bulldogs played well against the defending Pacific League champions in the match Thursday at Burbank. Burbank singles player Clayton Pauff swept his three sets, 7-5, 6-3, 6-0. BOYS GOLF Burbank 223, Temple City 262 : The Bulldogs received a trio of 44s by Jason Apinchapong, Blake Newton and Dylan Sherry to notch the nonleague win Tuesday at Eaton Canyon Golf Course.

BURBANK - Burbank High's Dennis Palacio and Hoover's Jeremy Zadoorian were both looking to start out their Pacific League campaigns with some solid performances. Both athletes were in fine form Thursday when the Bulldogs hosted the Tornadoes in the league opener for both teams. While Palacio captured four individual events, Zadoorian placed first in two events and ran a leg on Hoover's victorious 4x400-meter relay team. PHOTOS: Burbank vs. Hoover Pacific League dual track meet However, it was Palacio's Bulldogs that were able to come out on top, as Burbank posted a 110-26 victory.

The Burroughs High boys' golf team is coming off a season in which it placed third in the Pacific League behind Arcadia and Crescenta Valley. However, the Indians lost their No. 1 and No. 2 golfers, including former All-Area honoree Kelsey Danzeisen, who placed eight in league last season. The other was Chris Kesicbasian, who placed 11in in league. Burbank finished fourth in the Pacific League in 2012, but the team is off to a good start and the Bulldogs could be a factor in determining the eventual league champion.

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL Burroughs d. West Ranch, 25-23, 27-25, 25-14 : The Indians enjoyed a successful season opener with a win Wednesday on the road. Daniel Jacobs led the way with 11 kills, nine digs and seven aces. Teammate Daniel Marbach added eight kills and Shayne Beamer had seven. BJ Lagmay led the Burroughs offense with 25 assists. San Marino d. Burbank: 18-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-18, 15-10 : The Bulldogs lost a close nonleague match Thursday at home. Derian Blandon and Justin Saisirikul had nine kills each, Elijah Cowart had 19 digs, Josh Wright had four blocks and Ryan Garcia had 34 assists for Burbank.

BURBANK - Both Glendale High boys' tennis Coach Bob Davidson and Burbank Coach Loi Phan were banking on a tight match when the squads met Thursday in a Pacific League contest. However, neither could have predicted just how close the match would be. PHOTOS: Burbank vs. Glendale boys' tennis The Nitros and Bulldogs were tied after the first of three rounds of play. The score remained knotted after the second round, and when all 18 sets were finished in regulation, the score stood at 9-9. That forced the contest to be decided by games, but when they were ultimately added up, Burbank and Glendale were still deadlocked, 81-81.

Burroughs High boys' and girls' swimming Coach Danny Garcia expects to have strong and experienced teams this season. Burbank boys' and girls' swimming Coach Brian Roney knows he'll have balanced and experienced squads too, but probably not this season. “It's a very young team,” said Roney, an All-American swimmer at USC in 1982 who is in his first year at Burbank. “We're inexperienced and we're in a rebuilding mode. We're going to be really good in a couple of years.” BURBANK Burbank might not have experienced swimmers, but it has a decorated coach.

There was a great deal of success enjoyed by the four local softball teams during the 2012 season. Burroughs High and Bellarmine-Jefferson captured league championships. Providence remained in the running for a share of a league title until the final regular season contest and Burbank was still in contention for a crown up until the final week of the Pacific League campaign. Bell-Jeff went on to play in its second consecutive CIF Southern Section Division VII championship game and the Bulldogs made an impressive run to the Division III quarterfinals Heading into the 2013 season, three of the squads are dealing with their share of departures.