With the start of the badminton season, Arcadia High School (AHS) Badminton faced off against South Pasadena High School (PHS) on Mar. 19 in the North Gym. Each team fought through the matches and showcased their skills and sportsmanship. However, AHS ended up winning, with a final score of 20-1.
Before the game started, both AHS and PHS warmed up with each other on the courts. Both teams were playing practice matches against each other.
As the game began, the players settled down and took their seats to listen to a brief introduction from the AHS Captains senior Lorin Leung and junior Jayden Fun, before erupting into a loud cheer as a shared expression of energy and respect for one another. Afterwards, the matches were announced and players were called up to play in single and double matches. The courts quickly filled with sportsmanship and anticipation with every move.
During each game, there was a lot of rallying and quick moves—like smashing and overhead—from both teams. AHS’ strategy was to take control and attack to gain the upper hand, maintaining pressure.
“It’s about being aggressive [in] front and not playing too defensively,” said Varsity Badminton Coach Derrick Ng. He added that this was one of the core strategies in badminton.
Every strategy from each category—boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles, and mixed—was trained through consistent practice. In doubles, AHS’ players use coordination and teamwork with their partners that could only be achieved by practicing.
This allows AHS to triumph over both doubles and singles and earn their victory.
“Regardless, there are always opportunities to improve, [and] from what I’ve seen today [AHS] has improved from some aspects of the game,” said Coach Ng, entailing how every game is an opportunity for personal growth.
To encapsulate the final result, AHS has gained yet another win for the school and the day ended with respect and sportsmanship for each other. Despite the long hours, they were able to keep up the team spirit and patience.
