Prep Girls Tennis: Del Norte High’s Haviland captures Valley League singles title

By Michael Bower

The illustrious four-year prep tennis career of Kylie Haviland is nearing its end, which means its time for the Del Norte High senior to start piling up the accomplishments one last time.

The righty with an overpowering serve began her final march by capturing her third Valley League title – second singles championship – Wednesday by defeating Ramona’s Dayna Lake in straight sets (6-2, 6-0) at Del Norte High.

Haviland, who will enter the CIF San Diego Section Individuals’ tournament as the No. 5 seed, was expected to run through the Valley League with ease. But it doesn’t mean she is any less excited about capturing the crown.

“I get a big kick out of winning the Valley League,” said Haviland, who last year won the league doubles title and as a sophomore won her first league singles championship. “It is something you cannot take for granted. It is a big deal and is something I really appreciate.”

This will be Haviland’s second appearance in the SDS Individuals’ tournament. The University of Northern Iowa-bound star won a first-round match as a sophomore and played doubles as a junior last year. Her and partner Yolanda Pham advanced all the way to the section title match, where they finally fell to the duo from Torrey Pines. Haviland hopes to use that experience this year.

“The good thing about being in the doubles final last year is I know what it feels like,” she said. “I will probably be able to deal with that pressure; be a little more experienced than the other girls.”

Section championship play starts Monday at Barnes Tennis Center.

DOUBLES

Del Norte made it a clean sweep at the Valley League championships, as it was an all Nighthawks doubles match for the title.

Junior Nikita Rafie and sophomore Natalie Taylor defeated teammates Sadie Meeks and Ashley Han 6-2 to earn the title. It was the second straight year Del Norte captured the league doubles title.

“It was very rewarding today,” Del Norte coach Cherise Meoli said. “It is nice to come out here and win, especially since we lost to Ramona during league.”