GIRLS' TENNIS: RIO MESA AVENGES LOSS, DEFEATS OXNARD.

Byline: SEAN CEGLINSKY Staff Writer

OXNARD -- The Rio Mesa High of Oxnard girls' tennis team had revenge on its mind Thursday and there was little Oxnard High could do about it.

The Spartans defeated the Yellowjackets 11-7 in a Pacific View League match, atoning for a 10-8 loss at the hands of Oxnard two weeks ago and forging a tie for first place entering the final week of league play.

``This was a must win,'' Rio Mesa coach Steve Worthington said. ``We couldn't let them come in here and walk away with the title. We let them know that we're still on the block.''

Rio Mesa (12-2, 7-1) was led by the singles play of its three freshmen singles players.

Jessica Vivents swept her three sets, allowing a combined four games. Sonia Landeros won two sets and Sarah Zook -- playing with a neck injury -- lost her first set, but defeated Shauna Arguello and Rhianna Lee, both by scores 6-1.

``I'm surprised the strength of this team is in the youth but I'm not surprised by the way they play,'' Worthington said. ``They're pretty tough. They may be ninth-graders, but they play like upperclassmen.''

Oxnard (9-3, 7-1) trailed 5-1 after the first round, but cut the deficit to 7-5. Vivents and Landeros put the match away with victories in the final round.

The Spartans No. 1 doubles team of Sandra Rosene and Taylor Parsell rebounded from a 6-3 loss to Fatima Sanchez and Lauren Wiggins 6-3 to defeat Alana Spencer and Rachelle Landeros 6-4, and Vera Vanderkraas and Natasha Robinson 6-3.

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