OHS badminton smashes back in matches
The OHS Badminton team finishes off their chant with holding up their rackets as a symbolism of teamwork.
Clears. Drives. Drops. Re-drops. Smashes.
On September 13, Badminton had their fourth home game of the season against Central High School. The score of this match was 9-0. According to Paula Cappelletti, head coach, her team could never beat Central all the previous years.
Coach Capp advises Tricia Tran, junior, to use new moves to lead the match for OHS against Perry.
“This year is different. We have a new team, moves and drills to use on our opponents in matches,” Cappelletti said.
The exhibition (junior varsity) and varsity team are practicing two hours every day playing against each other. They practice a drill every day in the order of clear, clear, drop, re-drop and clear again. As well as practicing double serves and smashes in between those drills.
Bhavana Somayaji, senior, dropping the birdie towards her opponents side of the court leading her with 7-0 against Maryvale.
“Badminton may seem like a very easy sport to play, but it’s not. It’s actually very competitive and quite difficult to learn all the moves within a couple of days. You really need to try your best to do your best,” said Bhavana Somayaji, senior varsity player.
In the whole season, the team has had seven matches and one scrimmage. Losing three matches 9-0.
“Before I tried out for this sport, I already knew a couple of people on the team. So, it was fairly easy for me to get along with the team. They were already part of my family,” said Rebekah Wucinich, sophomore exhibition player.
The team’s first home game was against Maryvale, leaving OHS with the win of 9-0. Maryvale only had a varsity team of four players and little experience and knowledge of the sport.
Lillian Ha, senior, gets her racket and position ready to smash the birdie to her opponent leaving her with a point.
“I’m going to start challenging myself and play games with people above me. I hope I can start smashing more during matches,” said Lillian Ha, senior varsity player.
Katie Diab is a staff writer on The Talon this year, for the second year. She joined The Talon to do what she loves most, which is writing. She aims to...
