The badminton team picked up right where they left off winning their first four matches by a combined score of 75-2. The team dominated Pinnacle, Sandra Day O’Connor, Skyline, Hamilton, Desert Vista, Highland, Corona del Sol, Basha and Mountain Ridge and is currently ranked no.1 in their division. The program also continued its undefeated streak now currently at 42 straight wins. 

Even after smothering their opponents Coach Lerina Johnson still thinks the team can clean up mental errors.

 “All of the girls are very talented,” Johnson said “they have all of the skills they need to win, they have all of the strategies they need to win, they just keep getting in their own way,”

Senior Sue Kwon added, “I think the team needs to focus on the overall goal and focus on our shots, sometimes our mental game has taken us out”.

Coach Johnson mentioned that Kwon had really stepped into a leadership role this year. “(She) has been very helpful for me with organization and scheduling things and it’s not just me figuring out the best lineup for our program, for  tournaments, its a group thing and I turn to her.”

Although the whole team has played well Johnson is especially satisfied with junior Ashley Rodarte who made the switch from playing doubles last year to playing singles this year. “She’s the most disciplined and consistent singles player I’ve got on the team, you can always count on her.” Johnson said

Rodarte is undefeated so far this year with a 7-0 record in singles and a 7-0 record in doubles. In singles she has outscored opponents 294-124, and in doubles 336-204.

Rodartes doubles partner sophomore Nikhita Jayaraj has posted a singles record of 7-0 herself. “She’s really stepped up especially being an underclassman,” said Sue Kwon, “she’s put in extra time, extra effort, she makes sure we’re all playing our best and she’s always supportive of everyone.”

Last year Jayaraj was the only freshman on the team, this year she is the only sophomore which could create barriers for some players.

“I mostly look up to my teammates who are older than me and help me become a better player,” Jayaraj said.

She also said coach Johnson has helped her elevate her game “she always supporting me and helping me accomplish the goals that I want to accomplish” 

The badminton team is on track to winning its 3rd consecutive championship and being undefeated for the 3rd year in a row. The team will play Liberty Sept. 25 at home, the pumas beat the Lions last year by a score of 7-2.