VALENCIA'S TRIPLE THREAT FOGLESONG, AMICO AND PATINO GIVE VIKINGS SINGLES STRENGTH.

Byline: Lauren Gustus Staff Writer

Forget the old one-two punch. This is a one-two-three punch for the Valencia High boys' tennis team.

Seniors David Foglesong, Nick Amico and J.J. Patino return to the Vikings' lineup this year as strong players who have honed their skills together for four years, during both the season and the offseason. They are nearly interchangeable at the one through three singles spots.

``It's pretty much like we have three No. 1s because we're all really even,'' Amico said.

The singles lineup has coach Annie Kellogg optimistic.

``This is the best one-two-three I've ever had,'' Kellogg said.

Although Foglesong, Amico and Patino have different styles, their play is about the same level. The Vikings like their chances because when a No. 1 finishes with Valencia's first player, they have to play two more of the same.

``It's like a mind game for their No. 1,'' Patino said. ``You think it's going to get easier but it doesn't.''

Valencia has the depth at singles to be flexible. Foglesong, with a powerful first serve, usually plays No. 1 singles because his serve is strongest at the start. Patino said he likes a slower warm up so he plays in the third spot. By the time he rotates to play the opposition's best he figures he'll be in top form.

Already the early results have been impressive - Valencia has had 4-0 leads in its matches, which include victories over Chaminade of West Hills, Crespi of Encino and Oxnard.

Amico and Patino played No. 1 doubles last season and were one of the Foothill League's best teams. Unfortunately, their singles play means doubles is not as strong.

Valencia thought it had doubles help when Kellogg found Carlos Ruiz, a freshman who moved to Valencia from Mexico, before the season started. The young player has solid fundamentals, according to Kellogg. But Ruiz aggravated a back injury playing in the Vikings' nonleague matches and is not in the lineup. Kellogg does not know if he will return.

``He was like our Cassie and Alexa,'' Patino said, referring to the sisters that moved to Valencia from Texas and had an immediate impact on the girls' varsity team in the fall.

``It's sad to see someone who's good and such a nice kid not play,'' Kellogg said.

Without Ruiz, the doubles teams consist mainly of former junior varsity players, which includes Amico's younger brother Mike. But Aaron Sison is a varsity returnee who is playing doubles.

Valencia's bid to defend its league championship could be spoiled by either Hart or Burbank.

Burbank, which draws from the Burbank Tennis Center, usually has a solid group of young players join the program each season.

Hart has senior Darren Bregman back. Bregman played for the Indians as a freshman but went to the Ojai Tennis Academy his sophomore and junior years. He and sophomore Matthew Taotao will be tough to beat in singles.

Still, Valencia likes its chances.

``I think we could get another league championship this year.'' Amico said.

Lauren Gustus, [phone]

lauren.gustus(at)dailynews.com

AT A GLANCE

Coach: Anne Kellogg

2003: 16-4, tied for first place in Foothill League

Top returnees:Nick Amico, Sr.; David Foglesong, Sr.; J.J. Patino, Sr.; Aaron Sison, Sr.

Key newcomers: Carlos Ruiz, Fr., Mike Amico, Soph., P.J. Pick, Jr.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Valencia High singles players, from left, J.J. Patino, David Foglesong and Nick Amico, form one of the best groups in the Foothill League.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer

Box:

AT A GLANCE (see text)