Matsuoka receives a honor

Corona del Mar High tennis player Melissa Matsuoka has been named a Southern California Tennis Association sportsmanship award winner in the girls’ 14s division.

Matsuoka, who just finished her freshman year at CdM, now plays in 16s but the award is for 2006.

The Junior Sportsmanship award, along with the Player of Year and Most Improved Player, are the highest honors given to SCTA junior tennis players.

She is invited to the SCTA Junior Awards banquet on Sunday at Los Caballeros Racquet and Sports Club in Fountain Valley.

Matsuoka, the defending singles champion of the Pacific Coast League, was a key member of the Sea Kings last fall.

She helped Corona del Mar go undefeated and win the CIF Southern Section Division I title.

In girls’ 16s, Matsuoka advanced to the Round of 32 this year at the SCTA junior sectionals before falling to No. 5-seeded Gabrielle Desimone, 6-4, 6-3, on Friday.

— Matt Szabo