SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION I TENNIS : Dana Hills Looks on Bright Side of Loss

CLAREMONT — Usually, winning is the only thing when it comes to a Southern Section championship tennis match. When your opponent is powerhouse Palos Verdes Peninsula, however, your priorities change.

That’s why Dana Hills girls’ Coach John Stephens was able to muster a smile Tuesday after his Dolphins lost to Peninsula, 18-0, in the Division I final at Claremont Tennis Club. It was the second consecutive title for Peninsula, which has won all 48 of its matches since the school was created from a merger in 1991.

“To be No. 2 when they are No. 1 is an honor,” said Stephens, whose team won only 19 of 127 games in the shutout. “Personally, I feel like we’re No. 2 in the entire CIF. I heard some parents today ask how Dana Hills got to the finals. That’s ridiculous. I’m very happy. We had a great season.”

Indeed, Dana Hills finished the season 20-3. Two of those losses were to Peninsula (24-0), which a year ago eliminated Dana Hills in the semifinals.

Making it to the finals fulfilled a big goal for the South Coast League champion Dolphins.

“Just being here makes it a success,” said Kristen Ross, a doubles player for Dana Hills.

Understandably, the lopsided victory was a bit anticlimactic for Peninsula.

“It’s difficult to always get real excited,” said Nicole London, Peninsula’s No. 1 singles player.

But Peninsula co-Coach Tom Cox didn’t downplay the championship.

“I think any 18-0 is a successful 18-0,” Cox said. “It’s a good day.”