By Janelle Pantilon, Staff Writer
As the spring season comes to an end and fall sports are soon to emerge, among the various teams, Mills Badminton has had a lasting finish. Their months of playing were full of determination and poise, demonstrated by all the athletes; each experiencing notable moments with gains and losses. As a team, they’ve spent time and time working together to encourage that their best efforts are brought to the court each day.
They’ve been commended for being undefeated over the last three years, almost making it four, with only having lost one match in 2023 against rival school, Aragon. That season concluded with a record of 13-1.
March 5th marked their first match of this current season. It took place on Mills’ home courts against Aragon. A competitive environment brewed with the mix of anticipation and excitement. Players from both sides held their ground and put up a good competition.
The 2023 year was filled with bliss but after kicking off the new year with a match against the Aragon Don’s, a final score of 10-20 had lost the team’s ongoing streak. While disappointing for co-ed badminton, the defeat was short lived and replaced with ambition for the remainder of season. “We did not want to drop divisions,” explained Nika Eskadarian (10). The team gained motivation to do better the next time as they wished to remain in a higher division and have the ability to contend with competitors from upper rankings.
Generally, there have carried wins against schools such as Capuchino, San Mateo, Menlo-Atherton, and Burlingame with substantial point differences in between. Although, there were defeats, often prompted by Aragon and Carlmont, two strong and dominating forces.
Five players moved forward to CCS. Becky Liu (10) and Charlotte Tse (12) competing in women’s doubles, Leona Sin (10) and Dominic Pang (12) for mixed doubles, and lastly Stephen Rong (10) for men’s singles. “When my partner and I made it to CCS after playing PALS, we were surprised that we made it so far, or at least I was,” expressed Sin (10), “it was hard but I am glad that I got the chance to experience it.”
The team has many goals they wish to accomplish in the future. With the current seniors departing, giving farewells to the team and the younger athletes on the rise, what’s to happen is looked forward to in the nearing time. “Hopefully we can make it [CCS] again next year,” spoke Sin.
The Thunderbolt acknowledges badminton’s hard work and hopes the best for them next season. They have made great strides and will hopefully continue to progress.
