Biorkman Is No. 1 With a Difference

Megan Biorkman doesn’t play tennis like a girl.

She favors a serve-and-volley style more commonly found in a boys’ match.

“I like to just end the points,” she said. “I don’t understand why the girls don’t pick up on that. It throws most girls off, and they get frustrated.”

Biorkman, the No. 1 player at Irvine University High, has dropped only one set--to Woodbridge’s Elizabeth Exon--for the Trojans (0-2), who have been competitive in both their matches.

University, a Southern Section Division II semifinalist last year, lost to Dana Hills, 10-8, and Woodbridge, 12-6, last week.

The Trojans have been hampered by the loss of last year’s No. 2 player, Aimee Kim, a junior who decided not to play this season. And they have a new coach, John Kessler, who moved from New York a month ago. He has been impressed with Biorkman.

“She is head and shoulders above everyone else [on the team],” Kessler said. “She really likes to go to the net. Most girls feel more comfortable just standing back in one place.

“It’s an insecurity. I really think it’s a confidence thing. You have to be willing to do it.”

Biorkman, 17, is comfortable anywhere on the court after growing up playing tennis.

Her parents, Jon and Kate Biorkman, played at UCLA and Cal State Northridge, respectively.

Brother Jonny , 22, played at Boise State, and brother Greg, 19, plays at UC Irvine.

Biorkman also is a distant relative of former top-five pro player Jonas Bjorkman. “He’s like a fourth cousin or something,” Biorkman said.

With all the family ties, it’s not surprising that tennis is in Biorkman’s blood.

“That’s what I do all day, is play tennis,” she said.

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Starting over: Irvine Northwood is rebuilding after losing two top players from last season.

Sisters Gloriann and Gabby Lopez moved with their parents to Houston over the summer, leaving the Timberwolves with a mostly inexperienced lineup.

Junior Andrea Nguyen, who was part of the Northwood’s top doubles team with Gabby Lopez, is now the No. 1 singles player.

Sophomore Nisha Rajan and freshman Rina Nakano are in the other singles spots.

The Timberwolves (2-0) opened with victories over Irvine and Santa Ana Calvary Chapel.

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THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

1. Palos Verdes Peninsula (0-0, SS-Bay)

Panthers canceled all athletic events last week in wake of terrorist attacks.

2. Corona del Mar (1-0, SS-Pac. Coast)

So far, so good for Sea Kings, whose expectations are high.

3. Palm Desert (2-0, SS-Desert Valley)

Robyn Baker and Co. continue where they left off last year.

4. Fullerton Troy (2-0, SS-Freeway)

With matches against Peninsula and Villa Park, Warriors will be challenged.

5. Newport Harbor (1-0, SS-Sea View)

Sailors got off to smooth start with victory over Fullerton Sunny Hills.

6. Beverly Hills (1-0, SS-Bay)

Normans beat Calabasas, thanks to victories by Kate Jolson and Ashley Gleitman.

7. Calabasas (1-1, SS-Frontier)

Coyotes gave Beverly Hills battle.

8. Villa Park (4-0, SS-Century)

Already on roll, Spartans are glad to have Arti Iyer along for ride.

9. North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake (0-0, SS-Mission)

Wolverines are getting late start.

10. Irvine Woodbridge (1-1, SS-Sea View)

Warriors split early matches, beating Laguna Beach and falling to Corona del Mar.