Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Badminton team faced off against San Marino High School (SMHS) on Apr. 24 in the North Gym. Currently, AHS holds an overall record of 14-1, and most of their previous games have been won by a large margin. Through the teamwork and dedication of the team, AHS Badminton was able to secure their overall victory of 20-1.
The AHS team went against SMHS, playing doubles, singles, and mixed games on eight different courts. After Coach Derrick Ng called the names of the players who were going against each other, they set off into their respective matches.
“Our opponent, [SMHS]’s junior, Wayde Wang, beat our junior, Howard Sun, in three contested sets during our away match weeks ago. On Thursday, [Sun] took the win against [Wang] in another three contested sets. Leading up to his rematch, us coaches addressed and worked on several elements of [Sun]’s game during practices and other matches,” said Coach Derrick Ng, adding that “Seeing players like him implement our ideas and come out on top always puts a smile on our faces.”
Throughout the game, members of the team were able to demonstrate their quick reflexes in order to score. While AHS definitely won by a large margin, SMHS was also able to put up a strong defense throughout the game. This, combined with the dedication that the players put in during their individual matches, made the game extremely memorable.
“I really broke a sweat during the match,” said senior Anya Lai about her match. “It was harder than the last one, and they were pretty good.”
“They really made me move,” added Lai about her opponent.
Right after their game, AHS Badminton held Senior Night, a tradition that honored all of the graduating seniors on the team. Prior to the celebration itself, underclassmen of the team set up for Senior Night, blowing up balloons and setting up tables.
This year, seven seniors including Chen, Lai, William Huang, Esther Xuan, Venise Zhen, Ty Hao, and Vivian Pei were able to celebrate their achievements on the team and were reminded of the important moments that were spent on the team.
By night, the North Gym was fully decorated with balloons and banners, creating a festive atmosphere. Heartfelt speeches were also shared, expressing gratitude for the seniors on the team. Coaches Ng and Stiles as well as parents, and teammates recounted memories and took pictures together. On the walls of the North Gym were also posters for the seven seniors, where team members wrote heartfelt letters to the graduating class.
Overall, the atmosphere was cheerful and sentimental, making this a truly unforgettable game.
“We anticipate a stronger showing during the team championships which begin on May 9, and end on May 17. We will be hosting the CIF Finals in the North Gym and hope to meet Walnut High School (WHS) there,” said Coach Ng.
