Viewpoint making noise in postseason

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers SEND IT BACK- Viewpoint freshman Kobi Joffe leaps up to return the ball during his team's CIF-SS Division IV semifinal match at Calabasas Tennis Center Tuesday afternoon. Nothing good lasts forever.

After winning four straight CIFSouthern Section championships, the Viewpoint boys' tennis team saw its postseason end earlier than usual Tuesday when it lost 10-8 to Rowland High in the Division IV semifinals.

"It went all the way down to the wire," Viewpoint head coach Asif Azhar said. "Our team played well, but so did Rowland. You have to tip your hat to them. They were perhaps the best team we've seen in the playoffs."

Viewpoint received strong play from its doubles teams but couldn't get enough wins from its singles players.

The doubles were once again led by seniors Brandon Mischel and Jordan Parzick, who went 635 overall this season. The doubles won seven of nine games Tuesday, but the singles were only able to muster one win in nine games.

"We knew going into our match with Rowland that their singles were very tough," Azhar said. "Their singles are playing at a level that could possibly carry their team all the way through the playoffs."

With Viewpoint losing six of its nine starters from a year ago, Azhar called the '08 season a rebuilding year and was proud of how far the Patriots went. Azhar did feel bad for the team's three seniors, Mischel, Parzick and the team's top singles player, Jake Brougham.

"They are a very mature bunch, so I know they'll be able to take it in stride," Azhar said. "I think it must feel weird for the seniors, though, because they're so used to going to the final game and then winning it."

While the tennis team has been eliminated, Viewpoint's softball, baseball and boys' volleyball teams still were alive as of Wednesday afternoon.

After earning a bye in the first round of the Division VII playoffs, Viewpoint's softball team won 10-2 against Southlands Christian Tuesday at home in the second round. The Patriots, who have won 12 straight games, will take on Mesa Grande Academy today at Hjelte Field in Encino.

Viewpoint has received contributions on offense from junior Michelle Lesser (.545, six home runs, 46 RBI), along with the Berka sisters, junior Brooke (.500, 32 RBI) and sophomore Blaire (.516, 16 RBI).

Viewpoint's pitching must shut down a powerful Mesa Grande Academy offense that has averaged 14.6 runs per game during its current five-game winning streak. Lesser and Blaire Berka will be responsible for holding the Cardinals at bay. The two hurlers have a combined 1.15 ERA.

Viewpoint's baseball team will take on Cornerstone Christian Friday at the Mid-Valley Baseball Field in Encino. The Patriots have won seven games in a row, averaging 11.1 runs per contest during the stretch.

In the first round Viewpoint disposed of La Sierra Academy at home by the score of 15-0. The Patriots' offense didn't let up in the next round, as the squad beat St. Michael's Prep 16-2 at home.

Viewpoint's offense is led by a trio of players batting above .400. The players are Harrison Bernsen (.529), Michael Cameron (.478) and Jordan Kaplan (.451).

"I'm pretty confident our hitting will be just fine on Friday," head coach Frank Pontello said.

"The key to us beating Cornerstone is going to be our pitching and our defense. We'll probably have Ben Salzman start on the mound. He pitched Tuesday, but he has a rubber arm, and we're confident he'll be able to go out there and get us the win."

In boys' volleyball, Viewpoint is looking to repeat as CIFSS Division V champs. After a bye in the first round, the Patriots defeated Tarbut V'Torah and St. Margaret's at home in the second and third rounds.

Viewpoint played Wednesday at Chadwick High but as of press time the final score was unavailable.

If Viewpoint won, they'll play in the title game Saturday at Cal State Dominquez Hills, with match time set for 9:30 a.m.