Badminton Records Opening Shut-Out Wins

 by Tadzio Garcia

The Huskies opened the season in sweeping fashion after posting 21-0 victories at El Camino and Compton colleges.

Any road game is difficult, but to start off the season with two road games and win is an even tougher task.

El Camino has won or shared four South Coast Conference titles since the sport began conference play eleven years ago. Compton has an SCC title under its belt when they went undefeated in 2006. The Huskies were the SCC runner up last year.

ELAC has a young team consisting mostly of freshman. They are a team of the future. With talented freshman and quality experience they are aiming to advance to the post-season.  

“We have a strong team, one of our best in eight years.” said 8-year coach Qui Nguy. We have solid players who are ready to challenge for the playoffs.”

At El Camino, ELAC was late due to unforeseen circumstances. They did not have time to warm up. However, once on the court, the Huskies quickly established that they are again a team to beat this year. 

“We opened the season strong against El Camino,” said Lisa Vittayarukskul.  Even so we will improve.”

ELAC proved its strength and strategy when they made quick and unexpected decisions to win points.

ELAC’s No. 1 double squad of Khanh Dinh and Ruth Wei won their two games 21-7, 21-9 against El Camino’s No. 2 doubles squad, and 21-6, 21-8 against the Warriors top doubles team.

“We train hard together as a team to gain the knowledge it will take to challenge any team,” said freshman Dinh.

The Huskies No. 2 doubles team of Lisa Vittayarukskul and Leanna Xu swept their two games by scores of 21-9, 21-7 and 21-7, 21-9.

Equally impressive was Diana Su and Diana Kwok, the No. 3 doubles team, who pounded the Warriors No. 3 doubles team, 21-3 and 21-3.

One of the game’s highlights was the respect the Huskies displayed towards their opponents instead of an atmosphere of heated competition.

“Building team unity is important so that the girls can have a memorable experience,” said Nguy.

“This is important for both teams,” said team captain Vittayarukskul.

In the closest match of the day, Vittayarukskul won her singles match against Kumiko Noguchi, El Camino’s best player, 21-17, 21-10 amidst smiles and congratulatory hand shakes. 

“Every individual experience in a match for ELAC helps us learn so we continue to build,” said Vittayarukskul.

Rounding out the 2011 team are newcomers Emily Dieu, Irene Truong, Martha Gonzalez and Amy Ng.

The Huskies host Compton at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 in the women’s gym.

photo by Tadzio Garcia	photo by Tadzio Garcia
photo by Tadzio Garcia	photo by Tadzio Garcia