TENNIS NOTEBOOK; WESTLAKE WRAPS IT UP.

Byline: Anel Laj Staff Writer

Defending a title isn't easy, especially when playing in a league as competitive as the Marmonte. But Westlake made it look effortless.

The Warriors clinched the Marmonte League title with a 13-5 win over Thousand Oaks on Friday. The last time the two top teams met, the match ended in a tie with the Warriors (14-0, 11-0) winning 80-67 in games.

The Lancers (11-4, 8-3) were without Phillip Sheng, who was competing in the Easter Bowl Tournament, but Andrew Lieu, who usually plays at No. 2 singles, came up big by sweeping his sets. Lieu earned a hard- fought 7-6 (7-3) victory over Westlake's Alex Yaftali, who is the only player to have beaten Liu in Marmonte play.

--A fighting chance: With the Warriors and Lancers figuring to finish in the top two spots, third place has turned into a battle between Simi Valley and Agoura.

After losing to the Chargers 12-6 in their first meeting, the Pioneers upset Thousand Oaks 10-8 at the beginning of April. It was Simi Valley's first victory over T.O. in 30 years. But Simi Valley must beat Agoura if it hopes to improve on last year's fourth-place finish.

Agoura is strong at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, which means that the Pioneers' depth will be key, especially in doubles. The No. 1 doubles team of Jeremiah Waggoner and J.P. Agustin swept their sets in the last match against Agoura. The Chargers meet T.O. on May 3 before facing Simi Valley on May 5.

--Young warriors: Maturity and inexperience are always a factor with freshman starters. But not so for Westlake's three underclassmen. Joshua Kuai (6-0), Alex Sundling (7-2) and Jackson Ellis (8-2) have tournament experience and it shows on the court, beating senior singles and doubles players from Simi Valley, San Marcos, Santa Margarita, Thousand Oaks and Agoura.

On Friday, Kuai and Ellis teamed at No. 2 doubles and swept the visiting Lancers 6-3, 7-5, 6-3. Sundling and partner Aaron Bert also swept in doubles at the No. 3 spot.

Kuai, the son of coach Bernard Kuai, is ranked in the top 25 in singles in the 14-unders and is ranked 16th in doubles in Southern California. Sundling is ranked 70th in singles and Ellis is seeded 16th in doubles in Southern California 14-unders.

``I can't think of any other freshmen that make this type of impact,'' Bernard Kuai said. ``In some sports it's hard because size is important, but in tennis it's different. What matters is how you use your brain and how hard you can hit the ball.''

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Photo: (color) Westlake No. 1 singles player Alex Yaftali (pictured) lost to Thousand Oaks' Andrew Lieu last week, but the Warriors still clinched the Marmonte League title.

Eric Grigorian/Special to the Daily News