Laguna nets win over Diablos

The Laguna Beach boys’ tennis team picked up its third victory of the season Tuesday by defeating visiting Mission Viejo, 11-7, in a nonleague match.

A standout performance by Ben Crabel, a new addition to coach Aaron Talarico’s team, helped the Breakers improve their overall record to 3-3.

Mission Viejo entered the match with a 4-0 mark.

Crabel swept his Diablos opponents, winning 6-0, 6-3, 6-3.

“With Ben’s addition, we add a player who has had experience playing at the state and national level,” Talarico said. “It really gave our guys a boost of confidence.”

In doubles action, the Breakers’ team of Dony Sand and Ben Viscarrat also turned in a strong showing by posting 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 scores.

“I am real happy to see Dony Sand make the transition to doubles from No. 1 singles last year so easily and with so much enthusiasm,” Talarico said. “He has a great tennis future ahead of him.”

On Monday, Talarico said singles play cost Laguna in a 12-6 nonleague loss at Sage Hill.

The Breakers were swept in singles action but did win six doubles matches.

“John Wes Robinson and Jared Berkson were our real standouts in this match,” Talarico said of the doubles tandem, which swept, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

Laguna played the match without one of its strongest doubles players, Chris Cummings.

In a previous match, Laguna fell to visiting San Clemente, 15-3.

“We lost, 15-3, but I was pleased with how our team performed in the individual matches,” Talarico said. “There were no standouts this match, but overall our guys played with more grit and determination.

“This is the kind of match I would like to see us win later on in the season. I believe that our team is capable of playing at and beating a team of San Clements’s caliber.