Tournament Recaps

#1 posting 5.18.2008
badminton news & information

TOURNAMENT RECAPS
The StarTribune and Pioneer Press covered at the individual titles on Friday.

The StarTribune wrote about how her height and volleyball background helped Katie Vohnoutka in her undefeated season. ]
The Pioneer Press wrote about the one hour break between the semis and the finals.

next up: next week with a look back and a look ahead.

Eden Prairie Sweeps Titles

#1 posting 5.16.2008
badminton news & information

EDEN PRAIRIE SWEEPS TITLES
Eden Prairie won both the singles and doubles titles for the first time ever. Both Katie Vohnoutka and the doubles pair of Becca Wade and Larysa Eteneuer were the number one seeds entering the tournament and they made those seeds hold up. Vohnoutka won the title with a 21-15, 21-10 win over #3 seed Mee Xiong. Wade & Eteneuer beat Goly Yang and Belick Pha of Johnson for the title 21-12, 21-12.

Photo: Coach John Becker, Larysa Euteneuer, Katie Vohnoutka, Rebecca Wade, Coach Brian Strand. photo by kja

The last time a school swept the two titles was in 2006 with St. Paul Harding. According to sources this was the first time in six years St. Paul didn't have a state champion in the individual side.

I got to Harding at 3:13 thanks to delays along 694. Unfortunately action had already started for the first round. I will detail the Mee Xiong vs Khoua Xiong match later, but I only got there for games 2 and 3.

In the semifinals today Vohnoutka beat #5 seed Stephanie King 21-12, 21-16.

On the doubles side Wade and Eteneuer beat the Burnsville duo of Amy Linblad and Natalie Leiker 21-9, 21-8. In the other all Johnson semifinal it was Goly Yang and Belick Pha beating fellow Governors Kia Thao and Kou Nou Chang 21-14, 21-14.

The tournament played the 3rd place games prior to the championships. On the singles side Khoua Xiong beat Stephanie King, while Thao and Chang beat Linblad and Leiker for third in the doubles.

Each championship match was the only court open. There was undivided attention on the match at hand and I prefer it that way. It gave me a chance to watch both. I think the fan base also enjoyed getting a chance to see both championships.

DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP
Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer vs Goly Yang/Belick Pha
This is the first doubles match I charted all year from start to finish. The Eden Prairie duo put together more runs and limited the runs against them (8-2). The first big break came on Becca Wade's serve when she had four points to put EP up 9-5. Combine that with another five point run on Eteneuer's serve made it 14-6. All in all it was a 10-1 run. Another four point run put EP on the verge at 20-11. Two side outs, the last on a missed serve ended the first game 21-12.

Johnson had a quick start in game two up 3-1. EP put together three runs on four serves on a 12-3 run put the Eagle duo in the drivers seat at 13-6. Another 6-1 run made it 19-9. The game ended on an ace by Wade 20-12.

x

photos: #1. Belick Pha and Goly Yang ready for a return. #2 Becca Wade sends the bird over with Laryssa Eteneuer in the background. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Eden Prairie 8/15-.533; Johnson 4/16-.250
RUNS OF 3+:
Eden Prairie 8, Johnson 2
POINTS:
Eden Prairie 42
Winners 18: Drives 8, Smashes 4, Aces 3, Clears 2, Drops 1
Johnson Errors 24: hitting 20 (Net 7, Fans 6, Wide 5, Deep 2), Serving 4 (Net 3, Short 1)
Johnson
Winners: 7: Drives 4, Drops 2, Clears 1
Eden Prairie Errors 17: hitting 16 (Wide 5, Net 5, Deep 4, Fan 2); Serving 1 (net 1)
Time: 12:16

SINGLES
Mee Xiong vs Khoua Xiong Semifinals
Like I said I am very unhappy I couldn't get her for the start of this contest.
It was the fourth time these two players met and it was the first time this year Mee Xiong won. In the first contest at Highland Khoua won in three. At Harding the match went three games too. Last week in the City championships it went two, but the margin was only six points.
Today Khoua won the first game 21-17. Mee took the last two 21-17, 21-18. For the last two games neither player had a strong side out game. Neither was above .500.
Khoua Xiong was never able (in the last two games) able to score many points off her signature soft drive cut shot. She only had four in the last two games. Mee Xiong had a in and out game meaning her points came on drops close to the net or in the deep back ally.
Game two saw Mee go up 16-12 only to have Khoua tie it at 16. Mee got the side out on a soft drive and then had a three point run to go up 20-16. Two side outs later and the series was tied at one apiece.
Mee started the deciding third game with a run of four including three drops. When Khoua got the bird back on a side out she served wide. Khoua did cut the margin to 7-5 with a three point run including an ace. Mee used a three point run to go up 10-5. Another Mee run of three gave her a 13-7 advantage. Khoua used two Mee fans and a drive to cut the margin to 14-10. A four point run made it 17-10 for Mee. Khoua didn't quit and used a couple of clears to trail 17-16. She tied it at 18 on her signature shot. Mee got the side out when Khoua tried a smash that ended up in the net. On point 20 Khoua got tripped up on the back line for an ace. The game ended on a drop attempt that ended in the net.

x

Photos: #1 The two Xiongs. #2. Khoua Xiong at point 20 in game three. photos by kja

SINGLES SEMIFINALS NUMBERS (last two games)
SIDEOUTS:
Mee Xiong 7/17-.412; Khoua Xiong 5/17-.294
RUNS OF 3+:
Mee Xiong 7, Khoua Xiong 5
POINTS: *(of only the last two games)
Mee Xiong 42
Winners 18: Clears 6, Drops 6, Drives 3, Smashes 1, Soft Drives 1, Aces 1
Khoua Xiong Errors 24: hitting 22 (Net 14, Wide 7, Deep 1), Serving 2 (wide 1, short 1)
Khoua Xiong 35
Winners: 15: Soft Drives 4, Clears 4, Drives 3, Aces 2, Drops 2
Mee Xiong Errors 20: hitting 19 (Wide 7, Net 6, Deep 4, Fan 2); Serving 1 (short 1)

CHAMPIONSHIP
Katie Vohnoutka vs Mee Xiong
Katie Vohnoutka finished the season unblemished at 20-0. She did not lose one game in the state finishing 10-0. Last year Vohnoutka finished in 3rd place.
The most she gave up in a two game series was in the semis with King getting 28. Here are the totals points given up
Yer Yang, Henry 10
KY, Arlington 15
Shoua Moua, Humboldt 24
Stephanie King, Harding 28
Mee Xiong, Harding 25
So for the tournament the average Vohnoutka's opponent scored was 10.2.

Vohnoutka had a stronger side out game, had more runs and halted any that Mee Xiong had in mind, plus had an advantage in winners with 23. Meanwhile Mee Xiong had 5 winners. Vohnoutka proved today that she has more game than a smash.

The first game started off with a signature smash by Vohnoutka. The first surge came with a four point run to go up 8-4. That margin held up until another run, this time six points. That made the score 19-10. Vohnoutka had a 20-12 lead but Xiong had her only run of three to cut the margin to 20-15. The game ended with a Xiong hit that sailed wide.

Just as the first game, the second game started off with a Vohnoutka smash. She had 10 smashes on the day. Xiong led 5-4 when Vohnoutka took the lead for good on a three point run including an ace and of course a smash. Vohnoutka had two more runs, one of six and a final run of five to finish the game.

This was the third time I saw these two match up. The first time at the Burnsville Triangular Vohnoutka won 22-20 and 21-13. The second time I saw them was at Burnsville on Wednesday in the State Team title. Vohnoutka won that contest 21-16, 21-14.

Photos: #1. Mee Xiong with a drop attempt. #2. Katie Vouhnoutka ready to smash. #3 the celebration with the doubles champs Wade and Eteneuer. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 8/16-.500; Mee Xiong 5/17-.294
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Mee Xiong 1
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 23: Smashes 10, Clears 5, Soft Drives 3, Drives 2, Drops 2, Aces 1
Mee Xiong Errors 19: hitting 17 (Net 12, Wide 3, Deep 2), Serving 2 (wide 1, net)
Mee Xiong 25
Winners: 5: Drives 2, Clears 2, Smash 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 20: hitting 18 (Wide 9, Net 6, Deep 2, Fan 1); Serving 2 (short 1, deep 1)
Time: 12:32

Photos: #1 The double winners 1st: Becca Wade, Larysa Eteneuer, Eden Prairie; 4th: Amy Linblad, Natalie Leiker Burnsville; 3rd: Kia Thao and Kou Nou Chang; and 2nd Goly Yang and Belick Pha, Johnson.

#2. 1st Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie; 2nd Mee Xiong, Harding; 3rd Khoua Xiong, Highland Park; 4th Stephanie King, Harding. photos by kja

Congratulations on all players, coaches and teams for an outstanding tournament and outstanding season.

Next up: I pass out some awards next week.

First Day Individual State

#2 posting 5.15.2008
badminton news & information

INDIVIDUAL STATE TOURNAMENT
Today was round one of the individual and doubles portion of the state tournament. Surviving round one: were three of the top seeds in the individual and doubles.

SINGLES
FIRST ROUND
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat Yer Yang, Henry 21-5, 21-5
KY, St. Paul Arlington beat Micha Everts, Highland Park 21-18, 22-20
Shoua Moua, Humboldt beat AB, Southwest 21-3, 21-15
Desirae Garcia, South beat TK, Roosevelt 21-15, 21-12
#4 Yer Chang, Central beat Ciera Hogenson, Burnsville 21-14, 21-18
Pang Thao, Johnson beat PX, Edison 21-18, 25-23
NNV, Como Park beat SA, Washburn 21-7, 21-3
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat AV, North 21-6, 21-6
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat MH, Southwest 21-5, 21-10
Dani Sack, Washburn beat BS, South 21-16, 21-13
Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie beat TR, Roosevelt 21-11, 21-9
OF, Johnson beat #7 Chu Mai Thao, Edison 20-22, 21-17, 21-18
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat BS, Burnsville 21-10, 21-9
Kari Finseth, Central beat SV, Humboldt 21-14, 17-21, 22-20
Cha Her, Arlington beat Foua Khang, North 17-21, 21-9, 21-6
#6 Yer Yang, Como Park beat Hnia Yang, Henry 21-14, 21-3
SWEET 16
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat KY 21-7, 21-8
Shoua Moua, Humboldt beat #8 Desirae Garcia 21-16, 19-21, 21-16
#4 Yer Chang, Central beat Pang Thao, Johnson 21-17, 21-15
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat KV 21-19, 17-21, 21-13
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Dani Sack, Washburn 21-17, 21-6
Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie beat OF, Johnson 15-21, 21-19, 21-16
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat Kari Finseth, Central 21-4, 21-14
Yer Yang, Como Park beat Cha Her, Arlington 21-11, 21-10
QUARTERFINALS
#1 Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie beat Shoua Moua, Humboldt 21-11, 21-13
#5 Stephanie King, Harding beat #4 Yer Chang, Central 18-21, 21-3, 21-18
#2 Khoua Xiong, Highland Park beat Nicky Wade, Eden Prairie 21-10, 21-12
#3 Mee Xiong, Harding beat Yer Yang, Como Park 21-14, 20-22, 21-5

DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat #McL/NY, Humboldt 15-21, 21-6, 21-16
PT/CV, Arlington beat NW/XYV, Washburn 21-12, 21-12
AC/GM, Highland Park beat JV/MZC, Roosevelt 21-17, 21-6
#8 CX/PNV, Harding beat MS/AB, Southwest 17-21, 21-9, 21-11
#4 MX/MVX, Central beat XX/KBX, Edison 21-16, 6-21, 21-15
B/A, Como Park beat JL/AS, North 21-16, 21-12
AL/NL, Burnsville beat DT/PKL, Highland Park 22-20, 21-18
#5 JH/KPB, South beat NV/ST, Henry 21-17, 21-18
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat SK/HB, Eden Prairie 21-9, 21-19
MSY/PX, Central beat JOR/MN, South 21-10, 21-12
KK/SM, Burnsville beat GT/PHY, Humboldt 21-18, 21-10
#7 MNX/MX, Harding beat FH/FA, Washburn 21-3, 21-6
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat MA/CL, Roosevelt 21-10, 21-7
KK/VK, North beat N/P, Como Park 21-19, 21-15
LW/SX, Henry beat AC/BJ, Southwest 21-11, 21-8
#6 PY/KH, Arlington beat YV/BV, Edison 21-12, 21-14
SWEET 16
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat PT/CV, Arlington 21-8, 21-10
#8 CX/PNV, Harding beat PT/CV, Arlington 21-15, 21-12
#4 MX/MVX, Central beat B/A, Como Park 21-12, 21-17
AL/NL, Burnsville beat #5 JH/KPB, South 21-16, 21-15
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat MSY/PX, Central 21-14, 21-18
#7 MNX/MX, Harding beat KK/SM, Burnsville 21-14, 21-10
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat KK/VK, North 21-6, 21-10
#6 PY/KH, Arlington beat LW/SX, Henry 21-9, 21-14
QUARTERFINALS
#1 Wade/Enteneur, Eden Prairie beat #8 CX/PNV, Harding 21-14, 21-13
AL/NL, Burnsville beat #4 MX/MVX, Central 21-17, 21-15
#2 Goly Yang/Belick Pha, Johnson beat #7 MNX/MX, Harding 21-15, 17-21, 21-13
#3 Kia/Kou Nou, Johnson beat #6 PY/KH, Arlington 21-13, 21-14

WHAT I SAW
I am going to give a thumbnail of the games I saw
MATCH ONE
#1 Katie Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie held Yer Yang of Henry to five points in each game. KV was a perfect 10/10 on side outs, KV also scored on all of her serves. The whole match lasted just over 10 minutes. KV only had one smash with the score 17-5 in the first game when she had three to finish up. In game KV had 8 more including the final point for a total of 12 smashes. In the 3+ run category KV won 9-0.
MATCH TWO
#2 Khoua Xiong of Highland Park took the stage with Madeline Hunsicker of Southwest in game two. This game also lasted slightly over 10 minutes as KX won 21-5, and 21-10. KX used a 10 point run in game one to go up 12-2. KX had a .857 side out % to .214 for Hunsicker. Also KX won the 3+ run title 6-0.
MATCH THREE
In the final first round match on court one (where I was perched) it was Cha Her of Arlington bouncing back from a first game loss to beat Foua Khang of North 17-21, 21-7, 21-6. The first game featured a combined 12 side outs. Also FK had a 3-1 advantage in runs in game one. FK had a four point run to go up 20-14. CH had her only run late, but FK halted it to get the win. In game two and three CH turned the tide. Her side out % was 9/12 while FK was 2/13. The 3+ game tipped to CH 8-0.
MATCH FOUR
This was the only Sweet 16 game I saw. #6 Yer Yang of Como Park topped Cha Her of Arlington 21-11, 21-10. Again side out % went to the winner. YY checked in at 14/17; CH had 9/19. The 3+ run advantage also favored YY 7-0. It was 13-10 in game two when YY finished off the match with a run of 8. It didn't help CH's cause in game two when she missed three serves.
MATCH FIVE
It was on to the quarterfinals and again #1 Katie Vohnoutka was on court 1 taking on Shoua Moua of Humboldt. KV won 21-11, 21-13. KV's side out % was .737 to SM's .300. KV won the 3+ run game 7-0. So in the two matches I saw today KV won the 3+ run game 16-0. That is a strong performance. The score was 17-13 in game two when KV finished up with four straight.
MATCH SIX
Another quarterfinal match, and, as it turned out, the last match of the day featured #4 Yer Chang of Central vs #5 Stephanie King of Harding. This match had a little of everything from nail biters and twists and turns to blow outs back to nail biters.
In game one YC had a 20-12 lead when SK got the side out and then gained momentum with five more points to close to 20-18. SK hit a bird deep to give the first game to YC.
Game two definitely tipped the scales in favor of King. Game one featured 10 services per player. Game two only had four. King took total command of game two with a 9 point run to go up 11-1. King also had another monster run of 8 to finish the second game.
It all came down to game three. Chang had a 13-10 lead when a change of court was requested. When they switched the score lost points on each side. King gained strength after that. A three point run tied the game at 14. Chang led 16-15 (on my count) when King had a five point run to go up 20-16. On a fan service error the players thought it was tied up at 17. A smash should have ended the match. Instead they kept going. Yang got a clear and then two more points to make it 21-20 King. King got the side out on a clear and then added two more for a 21-18 (so they thought) win. I had King winning 24-20.

So tomorrow it will be Katie Vohnoutka vs Stephanie King in one semi and Khoua Xiong vs Mee Xiong.
In the doubles it is the suburban duo of Becca Wade and Larysa Eteneuer (Eden Prairie) vs Amy Linblad/Natalie Leiker (Burnsville). In the other bracket it is all Johnson with Goly Yang and Belick Pha vs teammates Kia Thao and Kou Nou Chang

The Athletes I saw today: #1. Katie Vohnoutka; #2. Yer Yang, Henry; #3 Madeline Hunsicker; #4 Khoua Xiong; #5 Cha Her; #6 Foua Khang; #7 Yer Yang, Como Park; #8 Shoua Moua; #9 Yer Chang; #10 Stephanie King

Next up: tomorrow with the finals

More Team State Tournament

#1 posting 5.15.2008
badminton news & information

MORE TEAM TOURNAMENT
Here are the stories from the St. Paul Pioneer Press and StarTribune on St. Paul Harding's third straight badminton title.

Next up: later today with the first day of the individual state tournament.

State Tournament: Harding Three-Peat

#2 posting 5.14.2008
badminton news & information

MINNESOTA STATE TEAM TITLE
HARDING THREE-PEATS

#1 seed St. Paul Harding won their third straight team title with a 5-2 win over Eden Prairie. It was the second straight year the two teams met in the finals. Last year Harding won 6-1.
Harding made it to the finals with a 6-1 win over St. Paul Central. #3 seed Eden Prairie beat #2 St. Paul Johnson in the other semifinal 4-3.
In the third place contest Johnson beat Central 5-2.

CHAMPIONSHIP
HARDING knights 5, EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 2

Eden Prairie won both first singles and doubles, and Harding took the rest in putting together their third straight title. The only match that lasted three games came at third singles with Crystal Yang winning the last two games. By that time it was already known that Harding had won the title.
In games decided by three or less Harding had the edge with two wins in doubles and one in singles.

Photo: back to back to back 2008 state champs Harding. Runner up Eden Prairie. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES
Katie Vohnoutka did not allow any runs in a two game set with Mee Xiong while using five for the cause. In game one Vohnoutka had two runs combined for a 7-1 advantage as she built an 8-3 lead. Xiong did battle back to 11-9. But Xiong's strategy of putting the bird on the back line also put the bird out. Xiong had a combined 9 hitting errors that were deep in the two games. Vohnoutka used another of her runs to go up 14-9. Xiong cut it back to 18-15, but she never could get traction on runs. At most two points, never three. Game one ended with a deep hitting error for a 21-16 score for Vohnoutka.
Game two had similarities with the first. Vohnoutka opened 2-0 and had had her first of two runs in game two to go up 6-2. Xiong closed to 11-8, but Vohnoutka had too much power, too much length to be sidetracked. Vohnoutka added three points to go up 16-9. The side out game took over late and Vohnoutka rode that to a 21-14 victory.

photos: #1 Vohnoutka reaching for a drop. #2 Xiong with a back hand. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 12/21-.571; Mee Xiong 12/23 .522
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Goly Yang 0
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 20: Smashes 10, Drops 3, Soft Drives 3, Clears 2 Drives 2
Mee Xiong Errors 22: hitting 21 (Deep 9, Net 7, wide 4, Fan 1), Serving 1 (wide 1)
Mee Xiong 30
Winners: 13: Soft Drives 3, Drives 3, Drops 3, Clears 3, Smashes 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 17: hitting 16 (Net 10, Wide 5, Deep 1); Serving 1 (wide 1)
Time: 14:08

SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Mee Xiong 21-16, 21-14
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Nicky Wade 21-8, 21-13
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Zyue Chen 16-21, 21-13, 21-18
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Janet Stewart 21-10, 21-14
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Pa Nyia Thao/Mai Ngia Xiong 21-14, 21-17
2. Gao Thao/Kazoua Yang (H) beat Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake 21-12, 21-18
3. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Morgan Woodrow/Laura Stone 21-19, 21-13

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 3-1 .750
Games: Harding 6-3 .667
Points: Harding 172-139 .553
decided by 10+: Harding 2-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-2 .667
points: Harding 115-104 .525
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Harding 2-0

THIRD PLACE
JOHNSON governors 5, CENTRAL minutemen 2

Just like the championship game, Central won at first singles and doubles, and Johnson took the rest to claim third place. However this match was closer as evidenced by the number of three game matches. Three of the singles went the distance with one doubles lasting three. At second singles Belick Pha outlasted Kari Finseth after falling in the first game 21-10. Pha edged Finseth by two in the second game and three in the final.

photos: 3rd place Johnson, 4th place Central. photos by kja

SINGLES
1. Yer Chang (C) beat Goly Yang 21-17, 12-21, 21-15
2. Belick Pha (J) beat Kari Finseth 10-21, 21-19, 21-18
3. Olamade Fudahunsi (J) beat Dawn Vang 21-12, 21-9
4. Pang Thao (J) beat Ka Yang 21-12, 11-21, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang 21-13, 21-19
2. Sheng Thao/Pau Chu (J) beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong 21-16, 18-21, 21-16
3. Hlee Vang/Cha Lor (J) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 21-15, 21-11

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Johnson 3-1 .750
Games: Johnson 7-4 .636
Points: Johnson 200-179 .528
decided by 10+: Central 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: Johnson 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 4-3 .571
points: Johnson 134-121 .525
decided by 10+: Johnson 1-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Central 2-0 1.000

SEMIFINALS
HARDING knights 6, CENTRAL minutemen 1

Harding started their day with a 6-1 win over Central. The Knights swept the singles and added the 2nd and 3rd doubles to put together the win. Two matches lasted three games and in both circumstances Harding prevailed. The Knights won in three at 4th singles and 3rd doubles. Alana Yang had a comeback win after falling in the first game.

SINGLES
1. Mee Xiong (H) beat Yer Chang 21-12, 21-8
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Kari Finseth 21-7, 21-11
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Dawn Vang 23-21, 21-16
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Ka Yang 19-21, 21-9, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Pa Nyia Thao/Mai Ngia Xiong 21-16, 21-14
2. Gao Thao/Kazoua Yang (H) beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong 21-16, 21-13
3. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 21-12, 18-21, 21-17

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 4-0 1.000
Games: Harding 8-1 .889
Points: Harding 189-118 .616
decided by 10+: Harding 4-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-1 .500
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-3 .571
points: Harding 132-121 .522
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Central 1-0 1.000

SEMIFINALS
EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 4, JOHNSON governors 3

This was the tightest of the three games and it was an upset considering Johnson was the #2 seed going in and had beat EP 5-2 earlier in the year at EP. The difference this time was EP picked up one win in the singles and one in the doubles. It should be noted that Wade and Eteneuer didn't play in the first event.
Nicky Wade and Zyue Chen each picked up wins the second time around in singles. The key event came at third singles with Zyue Chen edging Olamade Fudahunsi 24-22 in the second game. In the first time the two teams played Fudahunsi played at fourth singles. Belick Pha won the first time at third singles and this time moved to second and lost.

FIRST SINGLES
Katie Vohnoutka used a strong side out game to stymie Goly Yang in straight sets. The first contest had 12 serves for each player. The second game saw that number cut in half. Vohnoutka sided out at 82.4%. On top of that she had a 5-0 advantage in runs of 3 or more.
It was a tight first game until Vohnoutka used a pair of smashes in a six point run to go up 18-11. Vohnoutka sided out the last three times to get the game one win.
In game two Vohnoutka opened 5-0. Stretching back to the first game Vohnoutka kept her side out streak alive with 8 straight. Yang never got on track and the game was over in less than five minutes.

photo: The bird hovers above the net as both players ponder their next move. photo by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 14/17-.824; Goly Yang 8/18 .444
RUNS OF 3+:
Katie Vohnoutka 5 Goly Yang 0
POINTS:
Katie Vohnoutka 42
Winners 28: Smashes 14, Clears 5, Drops 5, Drives 3, Soft drive 1
Goly Yang Errors 14: hitting 14 (Net 8, Wide 6)
Goly Yang 20
Winners: 11: Soft Drives 4, Smashes 3, Drops 2, Clears 1, Drives 1
Katie Vohnoutka Errors 9: hitting 7 (Net 4, Wide 3); Serving 2 (wide 1, net 1)
Time: 11:41

SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Goly Yang 21-14, 21-6
2. Nicky Wade (EP) beat Belick Pha 21-5, 21-14
3. Zyue Chen (EP) beat Olamade Fudahunsi 21-18, 24-22
4. Pang Thao (J) beat Janet Stewart 21-10, 21-17
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Kia Thao/Kou Nou Chang 21-16, 21-17
2. Sheng Thao/Pau Chu (J) beat Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake 21-15, 19-21, 21-19
3. Hlee Vang/Cha Lor (J) beat Morgan Woodrow/Laura Stone 21-15, 21-15

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Eden Prairie 3-1 .750
Games: Eden Prairie 6-2 .750
Points: Eden Prairie 156-106 .595
decided by 10+: Eden Prairie 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: Eden Prairie 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 4-3 .571
points: Johnson 136-127 .517
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: Johnson 1-1 .500

The individual state tournament starts tomorrow at 3:15 at St. Paul Harding. Favored in the singles is Katie Vohnoutka who has not lost this season.

next up: tomorrow after the first round of Individual State.

State Tournament Results

#1 posting 5.14.2008
badminton news & information

STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
TOP 4 MOVE ON

Yesterday the State tournament opened up. There were no surprises with the top seeded teams all advancing. I reported on the Central 4-3 win over Highland Park last night. Eden Prairie also had a 4-3 win over Como Park. Burnsville managed to get two wins over Harding. It was the first time Harding was scored on in the quarters since 2005.
Minneapolis teams finished 0-7. As a group they were 3-49 on the day. South had two wins, Edison one.
First Round
#1 Harding 7, Mpls. Roosevelt 0
#8 Burnsville 5, Mpls. South 2
#4 Central 7, Mpls. Henry 0
#5 Highland Park 7, Mpls. North 0
#3 Eden Prairie 7, Mpls. Southwest 0
#6 Como Park 5, Humboldt 2
#2 Johnson 7, Mpls. Washburn 0
#7 Arlington 6, Mpls. Edison 1
Quarterfinals
#1 Harding 5, Burnsville 2
#4 Central 4, Highland Park 3
#3 Eden Prairie 4, Como Park 3
#2 Johnson 6, Arlington 1

Next up: later today after the state tournament

State Quarters: Central Advances

#1 posting 5.13.2008
badminton news & information

STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
CENTRAL ADVANCES
St. Paul Central beat St. Paul Highland Park 4-3 in the rubber match between the two schools at Central this afternoon. Both reached the quarterfinal round with sweeps over Minneapolis Henry and Minneapolis North respectively.

First off I will recap the Central/Henry game. I will also have the box on the Highland/North game too. After that it is the quarterfinals.

CENTRAL minutemen 7, HENRY patriots 0
Central swept Henry. The closest contest came at first singles with a difference of 7 points separating Yer Chang from Yer Yang. The Central doubles locomotive steamrolled the Henry doubles. The Henry second doubles team of Lakresha Williams and Sheng Xiong were the only doubles pair to crack double digits in one game.

FIRST SINGLES
Yer Yang put up a struggle with Yer Chang, but in the end it was Chang walking off with the victory.
Yang led early in game one 4-0, and held a 9-4 lead at the largest. The key factor in game one was the side out performance. Chang was able to score on serves 4-8 and that propelled her to the lead 16-13. Meanwhile Chang prevented Yang from scoring on six of her last seven serves. Chang also had three runs of 3+ in game one, while Yang only had her run at the start. For some reason I had one more point for Chang 22-16.

Yang again had a great start in game two. She led 7-1 after her first serve. Chang rallied with her own run of six to cut the margin to 9-8. A pair of smashes helped get that run rolling. Yang maintained a slim lead until her 7th serve where she added four more points besides the side out to go up 19-13. She had her second ace in the run. Then things turned on a dime. Chang got the side out on a hitting error and never gave the bird back. She ended the match with a clear.

This match went 17+ minutes which is quite long for a two game match.
Yang played with more confidence and also cut way back on errors--especially serving errors that plagued her the past couple of weeks.

Photos: #1. Yer Yang aims high for a bird. #2. Yer Chang reaches for a drop shot. photos by kja.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yer Chang 9/17-.529; Yer Yang 7/18-.389
RUNS OF 3+:
Yer Chang 6; Yer Yang 3
POINTS:
Yer Chang 43
Winners 18: Drops 6, Soft Drive 5, Clears 4, Smashes 2, Drives 1
Yer Yang Errors 25: hitting 24 (Net 13, Wide 11); Serving 1 (Deep 1)
Yer Yang 35
Winners: 16: Drives 4, Soft Drives 4, Aces 3, Smashes 3, Drops 1, Clears 1
Yer Chang Errors 19: hitting 18 (Net 10, Wide 5, Drives 2, Fans 1); Serving 1 (wide 1)
Time: 17:23

SINGLES
1. Yer Chang (C) beat Yer Yang 21-16, 21-19
2. Kari Finseth (C) beat Nhia Yang 21-13, 21-13
3. Dawn Vang (C) beat Ma Pha 21-13, 21-7
4. Ka Yang (C) beat Gao Khoua Xiong 21-14, 21-16
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Neng Vang/See Thao 21-7, 21-8
2. Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong (C) beat Lakresha Williams/Sheng Xiong 21-9, 21-13
3. Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang (C) beat Shoua Yang/Tenisha Williams 21-8, 21-7

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Central 4-0 1.000
Games: Central 8-0 1.000
Points: Central 168-85 .664
decided by 10+: Central 1-0 1.000
decided by 3 or less: Central 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Central 3-0 1.000
games: Central 6-0 1.000
points: Central 126-52 .709
decided by 10+: Central 5-0 1.000
decided by 3: none

HIGHLAND PARK scots 7, NORTH polars 0
Highland Park swept North 7-0. The North 2nd doubles team of Jaime Lee and Amanda Seline did take the first game for the only North game win of the day.
SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Among Vang 21-6, 21-5
2. Micha Everts (HP) beat Foua Khang 21-14, 21-8
3. Elena Kronmiller (HP) beat Pa Kou Pha 21-5, 21-11
4. Nhu Richards (HP) beat Mee Khang 21-14, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao (HP) beat Phoua Khang/Vang Khang 21-15, 21-19
2. Grace Moran/Alison Cole (HP) beat Jaime Lee/Amanda Seline 18-21, 21-13, 22-20
3. Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua (HP) beat Xue Vang/See Lee 21-9, 21-11

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Highland Park 4-0 1.000
Games: Highland Park 8-0 1.000
Points: Highland Park 168-76 .689
decided by 10+: Highland Park 5-0
decided by 3 or less: none
DOUBLES
matches: Highland Park 3-0 1.000
games: Highland Park 6-1 .857
points: Highland Park 145-108 .573
decided by 10+: Highland Park 2-0 1.000
decided by 3: Highland Park 2-1 .667

CENTRAL minutemen 4, HIGHLAND PARK scots 3

Central won the rubber match with Highland by splitting the singles and taking the top two doubles. The deciding game came down to fourth singles as all other matches were finished. Game two went long with Nhu Richards rallying for a 26-24 win. Ka Yang led 24-23 before the Richards started her run. In game three it was tied at 7 all when Yang ran off 7 straight to go up 14-7. That was the difference maker in the game and the match.

photo: Ka Yang reaches for a bird in the deciding game at 4th singles. photo by kja

FIRST SINGLES
This was a contrast of games---game one tight, game two not at all. Through it all one constant remained--Khoua Xiong had a strong side out game in both games.
In the first game the side out game ruled for the first five points. Yer Chang was the first to break free with a run of four. She scored on her serve with a clear then used a soft drive (what would be a change up in baseball). Khoua Xiong matched her run with three. Chang led throughout most of the first game. She stretched the margin to 16-12 after a smash. Xiong got a smash for a key side out. Xiong then was able to score off her serve the next three times. At the same time Xiong got the side out over Chang the last three times. The game was tied 19 all when Chang had a fan/hitting error on her serve. Xiong ended it all with a clear.

Xiong ran off a 9-2 lead and got the side out on Chang's serve four straight times. On Xiong's fifth serve she ran off 8 more points to go on the verge 20-4. A late three point flurry kept the game going. The game ended on an anti-climatic note as Chang's serve sailed wide.

Xiong had another strong winner performance with .619. The soft drive/change up/cut shot is her signature shot and she used it for 9 points.

Photos: #1 Khoua Xiong looks like she is in a box as she sends a bird over the net. #2 eyes the bird in game two. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Khoua Xiong 12/17-.706, Yer Chang 7/18-.389
RUNS OF 3+:
Khoua Xiong 5, Yer Chang 3
POINTS:
Khoua Xiong 42
Winners: 26: Soft drives 9, Smashes 5, Drops 5, Aces 3, Clears 3, Drives 1
Yer Chang Errors 16: hitting 14 (Net 8, Wide 6); Serving 2 (deep 1, wide 1)
Yer Chang 26
Winners 15: Soft Drives 5, Clears 3, Smashes 3, Drives 2, Drops 2
Khoua Xiong Errors 11: hitting 10 (Net 7, Wide 3); Serving 1 (Deep 1)
Time: 12:28

QUARTERFINALS
SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Yer Chang 21-19, 21-7
2. Kari Finseth (C) beat Micha Everts 21-14, 21-13
3. Elena Kronmiller (HP) beat Dawn Vang 21-11, 21-9
4. Ka Yang (C) beat Nhu Richards 21-12, 24-26, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Doua Thao/Da Chang (C) beat Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao 21-13, 21-13
2. Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong (C) beat Grace Moran/Alison Cole 19-21, 21-16, 21-12
3. Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua (HP) beat Phoua Xiong/Mai Sia Yang 18-21, 21-17, 21-17

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: tied 2-2 .500
Games: Highland Park 5-4 .556
Points: Highland Park 162-154 .513
decided by 10+: Highland Park 3-0 1.000
decided by 3 or less: Highland Park 2-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Central 2-1 .667
games: Central 5-3 .625
points: Central 158-136 .537
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3-: 1-1

next up: tomorrow with the State Team finals.

State Seeds

#1 posting 5.9.2008
badminton news & information

STATE TOURNAMENT
Next week the team and individual state tournaments take place.
Here are the sites and matches for Tuesday. Matches should start around 4 pm.
The top four seeds will host Tuesday with action shifting to Burnsville on Wednesday
At St. Paul Harding
#1 Harding vs. #16 Roosevelt
#8 Burnsville vs. #9 South
At St. Paul Central
#4 Central vs #13 Henry
#5 Highland Park vs #12 North
at Eden Prairie
#3 Eden Prairie vs #14 Southwest
#6 Como Park vs #11 Humboldt
at Johnson
#2 Johnson vs #15 Washburn
#7 Arlington vs #10 Edison
The two winning teams will play the quarterfinals on Tuesday right after the first round.
The final four teams move on to Burnsville Wednesday.

Individuals take place on Thursday and Friday at Harding

ATHENA WINNER
Chue Mai Thao of Minneapolis Edison is the only badminton player to be honored today in the Minneapolis area Athena banquet.

Next up: Probably Monday with a look at the state tournament

State Tournament Improvements

#1 posting 5.30.2007
your periodic dose of badminton news & information

STATE TOURNAMENT IMPROVEMENTS
It has been a while since the state tournament. I have been thinking of improvements.

The State tournament experience can be enhanced. One change that could be implemented without too much sacrifice is to give a spotlight to the championship matches at both singles and doubles. You could flip to see who goes first.

The way it is set up now attention is divided. Teammates can not cheer each other on. It just doesn't seem that special when eyes are diverted. It may add 15 more minutes to the event, but with the final four coming in on Friday you could run the semis all together, and then the 3rd place contests could go on as the singles championship takes place. Or you could run the 3rd place games and then have the singles and then the doubles championships.

Another way to enhance the experience is to have a scoreboard or flip card scoreboard out. Too often this season I saw games end early and some went late because players lost track of the score. With a scoreboard that responsibility is taken off the shoulders.

Seeding went 1-8 for singles, 1-6 for doubles. That is because, from what I understand, not all coaches send in their records. The seeds should drill down further than six. Also the tournament should be open to the 3s and 4s in singles, 3s in doubles. I saw some #3s this season that were better than some #2s, maybe even #1s. Obviously not all 3s or 4s should get the call.

These minor tweaks can be added without too much problem.

Of course adding more schools to the party would be nice. That is a little bit more of a challenge.

next up: My guess June

Thao, Mortinson/Teigland Champs

#1 posting 5.18.2007
your daily dose of badminton news & information

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP DAY
Today the Minnesota Badminton championships wrapped up with Harding's Pang Thao taking her second straight singles title. The unseeded pair of Lindsey Mortinson and Michelle Teigland beat the 2, 3, and today the #1 seeds in their march to the championship.

I got to Harding a bit late traffic heading east on 94 at a crawl at some points. I got there just after the first games were finished in the semis.

SINGLES---THAO TERRIFIC
I started with the Mee Xiong vs Katie Vohnoutka battle. Harding's Xiong took game one 21-18. On game two Xiong led early 8-2. Vohnoutka came back on her third serve with four straight services points to cut the margin to 8-7. Xiong did pull back out to a 14-11 lead. At this point Xiong was able to squeeze points on five of her six serves. Vohnoutka finished the contest with a 9-3 run as she converted on her last three serves. The smash game was working as she had seven in this game. Again the counting was off as my notebook had Vohnoutka up 20-17.

In the deciding third game both players were in side out mode with Vohnoutka only getting two points off her first six serves. Xiong had two points off her first five serves. At this stage Xiong held a narrow 8-7 lead. Things started to loosen after that. The game was tied at 14 when Xiong put together a three point run on a couple of Vohnoutka hitting errors 17-14. Vohnoutka came back with three of her own winners including a smash to make it 18-17 Xiong. The key point came on a deep serve to stop Vohnoutka's momentum. Xiong didn't give the bird back and moved on.

In the other semi it was Harding's Pang Thao topping Central's Lee Vue 21-12, 21-17. This was the first time in the tournament Thao had allowed anyone double digits.

In the championship Pang Thao faced off against her teammate Mee Xiong. With Xiong coming off the three game drainer against Vohnoutka she was tired. Thao took advantage of the longer rest time and Xiong's fatigue. Thao had seven serves in the first game and squeezed points off of five of them. Xiong did not get a point off her serve. They all came off of siding out Thao. By the way the score in this game was only 19-7. Again miscounting struck. I don't think it would have changed the outcome however.

Xiong led game two early 4-1 thanks to Thao hitting errors. Thao stopped that with a smash to get the bird back. On Thao's fifth serve she ran off five straight to go up 12-6. At this point in the game the Clear game was Thao's winner with five points. Xiong did cut the margin to five at the closest. Thao finished with a 6-3 run to claim her second straight title.

DOUBLES--UNSEEDED DUO TOPS FIELD
The Doubles tournament was seeded out to the 6th seed. The unseeded Burnsville duo of Lindsey Mortinson and Michelle Teigland had to beat the second seed in the opening round. The Johnson pair of Pang Thao and Pakou Vang didn't get on track as Mortinson/Teigland dominated 21-11, 21-2. That was yesterday.

Today in the semis they took on Johnson's other double team of Kia Thao and Karen Obermeyer-Kolb. This group was the #3 seed. This Johnson doubles team played together all year as a team and were the primary doubles team. (Thao and Vang were singles players paired for doubles only a couple of season matches). It took three games for the Burnsville pair to triumph, and they needed an extra point in game three 13-21, 21-17, 22-20.

That win put them in the finals against the #1 team coming in, the home court duo from Harding, Dia Xiong and PaNhia Yang. Just as in the semis, Mortinson and Teigland lost the first game 21-17. They bounced back in game two 21-18. I was able to come in at this point as the singles championship was over. The first break point came after the game was tied at 6-6. Three Harding hitting errors put Burnsville up 9-6. Xiong and Yang had a four point burst on Harding's seventh serve to go up 11-10. The game was tied at 13 when Burnsville had their 9th serve. Harding never got the bird back as the Blaze was on fire for 8 straight service points. Seven of those points were on Harding hitting error.

With the win Burnsville prevented Harding from sweeping the top honors like last year.

Next up: Photos of the winners.

Final Four Set

#2 posting 5.17.2007
your daily dose of badminton news & information

FINAL FOUR SET
The final four have been set for the individaul portion of the state tournament.
Harding has four of the eight spots covered in singles and doubles.

SINGLES
Defending Champ Pang Thao of Harding is still standing. She won all three contests today and never allowed double digits. She will face #5 Lee Vue of Central in the semis. Vue had a mild upset win over #4 Khoua Xiong of Highland Park. Xiong was the second place finisher in the St. Paul City tournament last week.
On the bottom half of the bracket it was #2 Katie Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie punching her ticket for the semis with three wins. She allowed double digits twice during the three games. She will cross rackets with #3 Mee Xiong of Harding.

In the round of 32 there were 3 games that went the distance out of 16. Only one game went to 3 in the sweet 16. That was Shoua Moua of Humboldt's win over Ye Thao of Johnson

DOUBLES
The #1 Harding pair of Dia Xiong and PaNhia Yang moved on with three wins, all 2-0. They will face another Harding duo Nalee Xiong and Pa Yang. Those two are the #4 seed. They had to go three games in the quarters against Doua Thao and Da Chang of Central.
In the bottom bracket, in the upset of the day unseeded Lindsey Mortinson and Michelle Teigland of Burnsville bumped off #2 seeded Pang Thao and Pakou Vang of Johnson 21-11, 21-2. They will play the other Johnson squad of Kia Thao and Karen Obermeyer-Kolb. The Johnson pair were seeded #3. Thao and Obermeyer-Kolb were the #1 doubles team for Johnson most of the season. Vang spent most of the year as #1 singles while Thao was #2 singles.

In the doubles there was only one game that went the distance in the round of 32. The sweet 16 round had four games go the distance in the most competitive round of the day. Thao and Obermeyer-Kolb beat Central's Xiong Xiong and Tracy Vangh in three in the Sweet 16. In the quarters it was Nalee Xiong and Pa Yang of Harding going the full extent against the Central duo of Doua Thao and Da Chang.

SINGLES
ROUND OF 32
Pang Thao, Harding def Lee Fang Como Park 21-7, 21-9
Nha Phan, Central def Nadvia Davis, North 21-9, 21-12
Ye Thao, Johnson def Cha Her, Arlington 28-26, 21-18
Shoua Moua, Humboldt def Martha Streng, Southwest 18-21, 21-12, 21-13
Khoua Xiong, Highland Park def Ma Xiong, South 21-7, 21-10
Gabby Alvarez, Burnsville def Passang Chozom, Roosevelt 21-2, 21-4
Lee Vue, Central def See Vang, Edison 21-9, 21-12
Maddie Lenhard, Eden Prairie def. Mai Vang Vang, Henry 21-4, 21-14
Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie def. Kao Lee Xiong, Johnson 21-5, 21-13
Der Xiong, Como Park def. Lisa Thao, Henry 16-21, 21-19, 21-15
Pam Vang, Arlington def Mekka Clark 21-5, 21-4
Chue Mai Thao, Edison def. Ia Thao, Humboldt 21-4, 21-3
Mee Xiong, Harding def. Danielle Sack, Washburn 21-5, 21-5
Astia Rope-Batker, Southwest def. Rina Maezato, Washburn 21-15, 18-21, 21-16
Bee Xiong, South def Jennifer Kieffaber, Burnsville 21-10, 21-9
Khou Yang, Highland Park def Tenzin Norden, Roosevelt 21-13, 21-10
SWEET 16
Pang Thao, Harding def. Nha Phan, Central 21-9, 21-6
Shoua Moua, Humboldt def Ye Thao, Johnson 21-17, 22-24, 21-15
Khoua Xiong, Highland Park def Gabby Alvarez, Burnsville 21-19, 21-18
Lee Vue, Central def Maddie Lenhard, Eden Prairie 21-15, 21-11
Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie def. Der Xiong, Como Park 21-8, 21-6
Pam Vang, Arlington def. Chue Mai Thao, Edison 21-5, 21-9Mee Xiong, Harding def. Astia Rope-Batker, Southwest 21-11, 21-7
Bee Xiong, South def. Khou Yang, Highland Park 21-7, 21-10
QUARTERFINALS
Pang Thao, Harding def. Shoua Moua, Humboldt 21-4, 21-6
Lee Vue, Central def Khoua Xiong, Highland Park 21-14, 22-20Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie def. Pam Vang, Arlington 21-15, 21-10
Mee Xiong, Harding def. Bee Xiong, South 22-20, 21-10

DOUBLES
ROUND OF 32
Dia Xiong/PaNhia Yang Harding def Amy Lindblad/Natalie Leiker, Burnsville 21-14, 21-5
Kablia Her/Kia Her, Arlington def Ly Vang/Karrie Lee, Edison 21-17, 21-8
Vang Lee/PaNhia Lee, Highland Park def. Karen Pernault-Boughton/Jackee Heslop 21-8, 21-7
Sheng Yang/Mai Chor Lee, Humboldt def. Anna Yarbrough/Maya Adler, Southwest 21-11, 21-10
Nalee Xiong/Pa Yang, Harding def. Yer Yang/Choua Yang, Henry 21-5, 21-16
Mai Tia Yang/MaiKha Vang, Como Park def. Phoua Khang/Vang Khang, North 21-12, 21-13
Becca Wade/Larysa Euteneuer, Eden Prairie def. Mai Vang/Xee Lee, Washburn forfeit
Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central def Pa Lor/Cindy Lee, Roosevelt 21-9, 21-4
Lindsey Mortinson/Michelle Teigland, Burnsville def. Pang Thao/Pakou Vang, Johnson 21-11, 21-2
Kaitlin Shore/Krista Anderson, Eden Prairie def. Mallory Brand/Tania Rojas, Roosevelt 23-21, 21-15
Kosaizee Yang/Mai Xiong Vang, Arlington def Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang, Henry 21-17, 21-10
Elena Kronmiller/Micha Everts, Highland Park def. Jennifer Harrop/Monticha Putha-Wong 21-8, 21-9
Kia Thao/Karen Obermeyer-Kolb, Johnson def Debbie Hulbert/Kiara Nelson, North 21-11, 21-13
Xiong Xiong/Tracy Vangh, Central def. Abbie Knudtson/Alba Bilani, Southwest 21-18, 21-7
Panhia Lee/Shelly Thao, Como Park def. Jane Olmstead-Romse/Melissa Ng 13-21, 23-21, 21-17
PaNhia Xiong/Julie Lor, Edison def. Nou Yang/Youa Yang, Humboldt 21-15, 21-15
SWEET 16
Dia Xiong/PaNhia Yang Harding def Kablia Her/Kia Her, Arlington 21-9, 21-10
Sheng Yang/Mai Chor Lee, Humboldt def. Vang Lee/PaNhia Lee, Highland Park 21-15, 16-21, 21-19
Nalee Xiong/Pa Yang, Harding def. Mai Tia Yang/MaiKha Vang, Como Park
Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central def. Becca Wade/Larysa Euteneuer, Eden Prairie 23-21, 19-21, 21-16
Lindsey Mortinson/Michelle Teigland, Burnsville def. Kaitlin Shore/Krista Anderson, Eden Prairie 21-3, 21-7
Elena Kronmiller/Micha Everts, Highland Park def. Kosaizee Yang/Mai Xiong Vang, Arlington 21-8, 21-9
Kia Thao/Karen Obermeyer-Kolb, Johnson def Xiong Xiong/Tracy Vangh, Central 21-11, 17-21, 21-14
Panhia Lee/Shelly Thao, Como Park def. PaNhia Xiong/Julie Lor, Edison 21-16, 22-24, 21-18
QUARTERFINALS
Dia Xiong/PaNhia Yang Harding def Sheng Yang/Mai Chor Lee, Humboldt 21-12, 21-11
Nalee Xiong/Pa Yang, Harding def. Doua Thao/Da Chang, Central 21-19, 19-21, 21-16
Lindsey Mortinson/Michelle Teigland, Burnsville def. Elena Kronmiller/Micha Everts, Highland Park 21-15, 21-10
Kia Thao/Karen Obermeyer-Kolb, Johnson def Panhia Lee/Shelly Thao, Como Park 21-16, 21-16

Next up: photos

Harding Team Champs

#2 posting 5.16.2007
your daily dose of badminton news & information

HARDING STATE CHAMPS AGAIN
St. Paul Harding picked up their second consecutive state title as they beat St. Paul Central in the semis 7-0 and then Eden Prairie 6-1 in the finals at Burnsville this afternoon. Eden Prairie, the #3 seed edged #2 Johnson 5-2 in the semis.

I will post the scoring and some individual highlights.
SEMIFINALS #1
HARDING knights 7, CENTRAL minutemen 0
Central was able to push Harding to three at third singles and third doubles, but Harding had a convincing win. In the singles Harding had five games decided by 10 or more with Pang Thao holding Lee Vue to single digits. At third singles Kazoua Yang went three for Harding and bounced back with a strong performance in game three 21-7. The third doubles team of Mor Xiong and Alana Yang suffered a sound beating in game two 21-8 but bounced back for a narrow 21-18 win in game three.
SINGLES
1. Pang Thao (H) def Lee Vue 21-6, 21-9
2. Mee Xiong (H) def Nha Phan 21-15, 21-5
3. Kazoua Yang (H) def Yer Chang 21-11, 19-21, 21-7
4. Crystal Yang (H) def Xiong Thao 21-18, 21-12
DOUBLES
1. Dia Xiong/Panhia Yang (H) def Tracy Vangh/Xiong Xiong 21-17, 21-9
2. Nalee Xiong/Pa Yang (H) def. Doua Thao/Da Chang 21-12, 21-8
3. Mor Xiong/Alana Yang (H) def. Ka Yang/Alexis Lor 21-14, 8-21, 21-18

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 4-0 1.000
Games: Harding 8-1 .889
Points: Harding 187-104 .643
decided by 10+: Harding 5-0
decided by 3 or less: 1-1
DOUBLES
Matches: Harding 3-0 1.000
games: Harding 6-1 .857
points: Harding 134-99 .575
decided by 10+: Harding 2-1 .667
decided by 3: Harding 1-0

SEMIFINAL #2
EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 5, JOHNSON governors 2
Johnson's plan going in was to sweep the doubles and pick off a single match. EP swept the singles and also took a tight three game set at first doubles to advance to the finals. Katie Vohnoutka for EP steamrolled Ye Thao in game one allowing five total points in two games. The tightest contest in the singles came at third with lefty Jenna Hartkopf going three with Gina Garcia. Garcia took game one, but Hartkopf took the next two.
SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) def Ye Thao 21-2, 21-3
2. Maddie Lenhard (EP) def Kao Lee Xiong 21-19, 21-5
3. Jenna Hartkopf (EP) def Gina Garcia 20-22, 21-19, 21-14
4. Leslye Suarez (EP) def Desire Garcia 21-13, 21-16
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Euteneuer (EP) def Pakou Vang/Pang Thao 16-21, 21-18, 21-18
2. Karen Obermeyer-Kolb/Kia Thao (J) def Kaitlin Shore/Krista Anderson 21-12, 21-7
3. Mai Ka/Belick Pha (J) def. Morgan Woodward/Laura Stone 21-18, 21-19

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Eden Prairie 4-0 1.000
Games: Eden Prairie 8-1 .889
Points: Eden Prairie 188-113 .625
decided by 10+: Eden Prairie 3-0 1.000
decided by 3 or less: Eden Prairie 2-1 .667
DOUBLES
Matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 5-2 .714
points: Johnson 141-114 .553
decided by 10+: Johnson 1-0
decided by 3: 2-2

3rd PLACE
JOHNSON governors 4, CENTRAL mintuemen 3
Johnson's strategy paid off in the third place game with a sweep at the doubles and picking off fourth singles for the narrow 4-3 win. The first two doubles had a pair of three game matches. Both started off with 22-20 wins for Johnson. Both finished with 21-14 wins. The third doubles also were tight with two two point wins for the pair of Mai Ka and Belick Pha. Desire Garcia took the fourth singles 21-10, 21-12. The fourth game to come in though was first doubles.
SINGLES
1. Lee Vue (C) def Ye Thao 18-21, 21-11, 21-18
2. Nha Phan (C) def Kao Lee Xiong 21-13, x-21, 21-15
3. Yer Chang (C) def Gina Garcia 21-19, 21-14
4. Desire Garcia (J) def. Xiong Thao 21-10, 21-12
DOUBLES
1. Pakou Vang/Pang Thao (J) def. Tracy Vangh/Xiong Xiong 22-20, 19-21, 21-14
2. Karen Obermyer-Kolb/Kia Thao (J) def. Doua Thao/Da Chang 22-20, 16-21, 21-14
3. Mai Ka/Belick Pha (J) def. Ka Yang/Alexis Lor 22-20, 21-19

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Central 3-1 .750
Games: Central 6-4 .600
Points: since I don't have one score I am leaving it blank
decided by 10+: 1-1
decided by 3 or less: Central 2-1
DOUBLES
Matches: Johnson 3-0 1.000
games: Johnson 6-2 .750
points: Johnson 164-149 .524
decided by 10+: none
decided by 3: Johnson 4-0

CHAMPIONSHIP
HARDING knights 6, EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 1
Harding swept the doubles and took the first three singles in their second straight championship. There were some interesting matches. At first singles Pang Thao was pushed into extra points in game one by Katie Vohnoutka 23-21. Vohnoutka led 20-19, but Thao got the side out on a serve that went wide. After that it was advantage Thao as she scored on a drive to Vohnoutka's back hand. Third Doubles also went to extra points with Mor Xiong and Alana Yang pulling out the win. Just like Pang Thao they had a wider margin in game two. The only game that went three was at first doubles with Dia Xiong and Panhia Yang bouncing back in game three with a 21-16 win. Leslye Suarez was the only EP player to cross over into the left hand column with a two game win.
SINGLES
1. Pang Thao (H) def. Katie Vohnoutka 23-21, 21-11
2. Mee Xiong (H) def. Maddie Lenhard 21-9, 21-11
3. Kazoua Yang (H) def. Jenna Hartkopf 21-10, 21-12
4. Leslye Suarez (EP) def. Crystal Yang 21-15, 21-9
DOUBLES
1. Dia Xiong/Panhia Yang (H) def. Becca Wade/Larysa Euteneuer 21-11, 15-21, 21-16
2. Nalee Xiong/Pa Yang (H) def. Kaitlin Shore/Krista Anderson 21-11, 21-17
3. Mor Xiong/Alana Yang (H) def. Morgan Woodward/Laura Stone 24-22, 21-14

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 3-1 .750
Games: Harding 6-2 .750
Points: Harding 152-116 .567
decided by 10+: Harding 4-1 .800
decided by 3 or less: Harding 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
Matches: Harding 3-0 1.000
games: Harding 6-1 .857
points: Harding 144-112 .563
decided by 10+: Harding 2-0 1.000
decided by 3: Harding 1-0 1.000

I am happy to report all the scores matched today.

Next up: later tonight with photos. and I will have individual games of Vohnoutka vs Ye Thao and Vohnoutka vs Pang Thao later.

Final Four Set

#1 posting 5.16.2007
your daily dose of badminton news & information

FINAL FOUR SET
The Top four seeds all advanced to the semifinals today at Burnsville.

#1 Harding I reported on yesterday.

They will be facing #4 Central. Central beat Washburn 7-0 in the Sweet 16 round and then eliminated Highland Park in the quarters 5-2. That was the closest quarterfinal score. HP beat Central 4-3 on May 1.
Highland Park made it to the quarters with a 5-2 win over Como Park.

Eden Prairie beat Burnsville 6-1 in the quarters. It was the third meeting between the two teams and second win in a row for EP. Last week EP won 4-3.

The only upset in the sweet 16 round was #10 Humboldt's 4-3 win over #7 South. Humboldt then faced Johnson in the quarters and were swept 7-0. Johnson had earlier swept Southwest.

So today at Burnsville at 4 pm for the semis it will be #1 Harding vs #4 Central and #2 Johnson vs #3 Eden Prairie crashing the St. Paul schools. The Finals will follow. I should be there close to four.

Next up: the finals later today.

Harding Wins Triple Crown

#1 posting 5.19.2006

St. Paul Harding pulled of the Triple Crown of Badminton today with state championships won by singles Pang Thao, and doubles team Mai Tria Lee and Kaabao Yang. On Wednesday Harding won the State Team Title. It is the first time in the history of the Minnesota tournament that singles, doubles, and the team title resided at one school.
To see results in earlier rounds check out yesterday's posting.

SINGLES
SEMIFINALS
Pang Thao, Harding def Pang Shoua Vang, Harding 11-2, 11-5
In a battle between teammates, Thao, the #1 singles, beat Vang, the #2 singles. Thao didn't score her first point until serve #2 and then racked up three straight. Point one came on a hitting error, followed by a clear and and a smash. Vang also scored on her 2nd serve on a smash. Both players familiar with each other sided out on their next serves. Thao added three more points on serve #4 while Vang added one point on her 4th serve. Thao was able to add two points to her lead on serve five and finished it off on serve six with three more the final point being a drop shot to Vang's left. The game lasted 23 serves in all.
In game two Thao scored first, but Vang actually led 2-1 after her first serve thanks to two hitting errors by Thao. Thao tied it after her 3rd serve, but Vang inched ahead again on her 4th 3-2 with a drop to Thao's right. Thao broke the game open in serve 7 with five points, all winners by Thao. Thao won the right to go the final with a back hand drop on serve 9. This game had 32 serves total.
Most of the game Thao "hit it where she ain't," to quote Wee Willie Keeler, a 19th century baseball player. Vang had to run all over the court to cover shots.
BY THE NUMBERS
Name, School, pts, services, serves, side out %
Thao, Harding, 22, 15, 35, .615
Vang, Harding 7, 13, 20, .333
Thao points: Drops 5, Drives 5, Vang hitting errors: 4, Clears: 2; Smashs: 3; Aces: 3. winner% .818
Vang points: Thao hitting errors 4, Drops 2, Smash 1. winner% .143

Sheng Yang, Como Park def Xiong Yang, Arlington 11-1, 8-11, 11-7
Xiong Yang, the #2 seed, twisted her ankle in game two and was down for a time. She would refuse to take off the her left shoe and played on without the benefit of tape. Yang won that game, but Sheng Yang of Como Park won the deciding third game 11-7. Yang led 3-0 after her first serve. Xiong grabbed the lead at 5-3 after serve number three. Yang tied it at 5 after her 4th serve. Xiong regained the lead 6-5 on her 6th serve with a back hand. Yang broke the game open on serve 9 with four points thanks to three hitting errors. On Yang's 10th serve the game ended with a Xiong hitting error that sailed deep.

3rd PLACE
Xiong Yang, Arlington def Pang Shoua Vang, Harding 11-0, 11-9
FINALS
Pang Thao, Harding def Sheng Yang, Como Park 11-3, 11-4
In a rematch from Wednesday's team semifinals, Thao didn't falter and won for the 27th time this season. On Wednesday she dispatched Yang 11-4, 11-6.
Yang had first serve and made use of it for the first point of the match on Thao's hitting error. Thao didn't waste time establishing her dominance with six points on her first serve. Yang managed to get two more points on her second serve to cut the lead to 6-3, but Thao's second serve it was light's out. Thao added four to put up an insurmontable lead. Thao ended the first game quickly on serve three with a clear. Only 19 serves were needed to complete this game.
In game two Yang again led early, this time with two points on each of her first two serves. Thao took the lead for good on her 3rd serve with her first three points. Thao added one point each on serves 7, 8, and 9, but the points were hard to come by. Thao led 7-4 going into her 13th service and she ended it there with four points including a smash to seal the deal. This game lasted twice as long as game one with 39 serves.
Thao was better on her feet and better with placement throughout the tournament.
Thao provided the second jewel in the triple crown.
BY THE NUMBERS
Name, School, pts, services, serves, side out %
Thao, Harding, 22, 16, 36, .533
Yang, Como Park 7, 15, 22, .438
Thao points: Yang hitting errors 9, drives 5, drops 3, smashes 3, clears 2 winner% .591
Yang points: Thao hitting errors 3, Drops 2, Clears 1, Drives 1. winner% .571

DOUBLES
SEMIFINALS
Mai Tria Lee/Kaabao Yang, Harding def Cydney Vang/Yer Vue, Johnson 15-4, 15-4
Ping Hoang/Ka Yang, Como Park def Dee Xiong/Paosue Vue, Como Park 7-15, 15-13, 15-12
3rd PLACE
Dee Xiong/Paosue Vue, Como Park def Cydney Vang/Yer Vue, Johnson 15-10, 15-2
FINALS
Mai Tria Lee/Kaabao Yang, Harding def Ping Hoang/Ka Yang, Como Park 17-14, 15-4
After the singles were over I came over to watch what proved to be the second game in this match. This too was a rematch from Wednesday's team semifinal. Lee and Yang won that match up 15-1, 15-11.
Mai Tria Lee started out the scoring in game two for Harding with three points on first serve including a smash by Kaabao Yang for point three. For all intents and purposes the title was decided in the second service for Harding when they piled on 9 more points to lead 13-1. At the point Hoang and Yang tightened up the defense and it took the Harding pair seven serves between them before Lee connected again for a point with a clearing shot. Lee ended the 2006 season with an ace. And history was made with the triple crown's final jewel set with Lee & Yang.

It took me awhile to figure out how to present the notes I was taking. Next year the by the numbers figures should be better.
I will continue to blog about badminton, but the frequency will probably drop as the HS season ends.
If you have news, let me know so the world can know.

Next up: Probably monday with a rehash of what has happened.

It is All St. Paul Final Tomorrow

#1 posting 5.18.2006

After the first day of the state individual touranment it will be an all St. Paul semifinals. In fact it will be an all Harding semifinal on one half of the singles side, and an all Como Park semis in the doubles side. Como Park's Sheng Yang joins the doubles team for one spot in the semis. Arlington's Xiong Yang will face Sheng Yang. In the other doubles semi match it will be Mai Tria Lee and Kaabao Yang for Harding's third entry on the day vs Cydney Vang and Yer Vue of Johnson who played singles most of the year, but are partnered in doubles now.
St. Paul had six entries in the quarters with Alvarez from Burnsville and Xiong from Edison getting through the first two rounds.
On the doubles side St. Paul had seven entries with Eden Prairie the only crasher.
Harding will be looking to get the hat trick. They already have the team State title. They are seeking the singles title with #1 Pang Thao and doubles title with #1 Mai Tria Lee and Kaabao Yang.

SINGLES
FIRST ROUND
Pang Thao, Harding def. Mai Ku Moua, Henry 11-0, 11-2
In a match up between the two city champions it was all St. Paul as the #1 overall seed Pang Thao skunked MKM in game one and only gave away two points in game two.
Thao scored three in a row on her second serve and added three more on serve three. At this point three of Thao's points were due to Moua hitting errors. Thao again had a three point run on serve six. Two drops started that run. Thao ended it on her 8th serve with a drop to the left side. All through the match Thao placed the shuttle cross court from Moua. In game one the drop shot was the main point producer for Thao with five.
Game two saw Thao scoring two points right away with a drop and a hitting error. She added three more on serve #2. Moua finally broke through for two points, but they were due to hitting errors. Moua was not able to side out for the game as Thao scored each time she served. The last point was a Moua shot the sailed deep.

Kao Song Yang, Highland Park def. Erica Steele, Eden Prairie 11-0, 11-7
Natalie Hamilton, Humboldt def Nha Phan, SP Central 11-3, 11-4
Chuemai Thao, Edison def Mekka Clark, North 11-7, 11-1
Gabby Alvarez, Burnsville def Karen Obermeyer-Kolb, Johnson 11-7, 11-8
Houa Pha, Henry def Yer Yang, Roosevelt 11-5, 11-2
Pang Shoua Vang, Harding def Heather Morin, Washburn 11-1, 11-0
Pam Vang, Arlington def Pang Thao, Johnson 11-9, 11-6
Xiong Yang, Arlington def Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie 11-7, 11-3

Yer Yang, Como Park def Astia Rope-Baker, Southwest 11-0, 11-7
The next game on court 1
Yang skunked her twin city opponent and it was over very fast. It took Yang three serves to finish game one. On serve two Yang racked up seven points with four due to hitting errors.
Yang had 6 of her points due to ARB hitting errors.
Game two was completely different with ARB scoring the first five points of the game, four on her second serve. Yang didn't get on the scoreboard until her fourth serve where she took advantage of two ARB hitting errors. Yang did not take the lead until her 11th serve at 7-6. ARB had one last point at 7-7. Yang took control on serve 12 10-7 with three points including two clears. To finish the game Yang delivered a smash on serve 13

Khoua Xiong, Highland Park def Nadvia Davis, North 11-2, 11-0
Jaimie Fredrickson, Burnsville def Wanda Vue, South 11-4, 11-4
Sheng Yang, Como Park def Martha Streng, Southwest 11-0, 11-1
Lee Vue, Central def Somaly Yi, Washburn 11-3, 11-5
Ntshua Vang, Roosevelt def Anthia Johnson, Humboldt 11-3, 11-5
Maivue Xiong, Edison def Ma Xiong, South 11-5, 11-0
SWEET 16
Pang Thao, Harding def. Kao Song Yang, Highland Park 4-11, 11-4, 11-9
In the match of the day, at least in the singles division, Thao survived a legitmate scare from KSY. It was a drip, drip, drip beginning as KSY was able to squeeze one point off serves 2 through 5. No one player was able to gain traction. Thao wasn't able to convert a point for five serves. She squeezed off points at service 6 and 8, but sideouts were the rule in this match. In fact most of the crowd in the gym, sensing a classic tussle and perhaps an upset in the making, gravitated to court one. Thao closed the gap to 6-4 after her 14th serve when KSY put the first run of the match together with three points, the first two due to Thao hitting errors. KSY added a clear for point 10 on her 15th serve, and watched a hitting error for the final point. There were 46 serves in this first game.
Thao, with her back to the wall and needing two straight wins, came back in game two with quicker work helped in part to KSY hitting errors. Actually KSY jumped out early 2-0 after one serve, both on Thao hitting errors. After Thao's 3rd serve the #1 seed led 4-2. Two serves later Thao had a 11-4 win. The last six points, all served on the fifth serve came on KSY hitting errors. Only 24 serves were taken in this contest.
KSY got the jump early in the deciding third game 3-0 with two drives and a hitting error. On Thao's second serve she strung 7 points, but this time it was due to Thao's shots starting with a drop, smash, drive. KSY righted herself and took the lead at 8-7 on serve five. KSY's last lead was at 9-8 after her 6th serve. Thao closed out the exciting with three points on her 8th serve with two hitting errors and to finish a big smash. There were 34 serves in the final game.

Natalie Hamilton, Humboldt def Chuemai Thao, Edison 13-10, 11-6
Gabby Alvarez, Burnsville def Houa Pha, Henry 11-2, 11-8
Pang Shoua Vang, Harding def Pam Vang, Arlington 7-11, 11-4, 11-6
Xiong Yang, Arlington def Yer Yang, Como Park 11-4, 11-0
Khoua Xiong, Highland Park def Jaimie Fredrickson, Burnsville 11-4, 11-0
Sheng Yang, Como Park def Lee Vue, Central 13-12, 0-11, 11-2
Maivue Xiong, Edison def Ntshua Vang, Roosevelt 11-1, 11-1
QUARTERFINALS
Pang Thao, Harding def. Natalie Hamilton, Humboldt 11-3, 11-1
This was a snap compared to the sweet 16 round for Thao. Thao scored each and every time she served in game one. Thao opened with three straight and padded the lead on her second serve with four more including the last two drops. Hamilton did not get on the board until serve #4 with three points--all hitting errors. Thao finished game one as she finished game 3 in the sweet 16 with a smash. 22 serves total got the job done.
Things did not go well for Hamilton in game two. In fact the body language even before the start of game one indicated to me that Hamilton had surrendered. It appeared that lack of effort conceded the game to Thao. After the first serve in game two the white flag was beginning to fly. Thao ripped off six points to start, four of which came by hitting errors. Hamilton managed to get a point on her first serve due to Thao's hitting error. After Thao's fourth serve it was over. She added three more on that serve. There were only 18 serves for this game.

Pang Shoua Vang, Harding def Gabby Alvarez, Burnsville 11-6, 11-1
Alvarez started off up 2-0 after her second serve. She had an ace on point two as PSV guessed long. PSV got her first point on her sixth serve on Alvarez's hitting error. PSV took the lead 5-3 after her 8th serve. Three points were due to hitting errors. Alvarez came back with her 9th serve to retake the lead 6-5. PSV added four points on her 11th serve, again three coming from hitting errors. Alvarez added a point on her 10th serve on a drop to the right side, but PSV scored on serve 12 and 13. The last point coming on a smash. 42 serves put this game second to the Thao/KSY match.
The second game broke open on PSV's fourth serve as she strung together 7 points and a 9-0 lead. Four of the points came via hitting errors. PSV added one more point on serve six with another hitting error point before Alvarez gained her first point on a hitting error. PSV finished the game on her 7th serve on a hitting error. 24 serves were all it took for this game.

Xiong Yang, Arlington def Khoua Xiong, Highland Park 11-5, 11-4
Sheng Yang, Como Park def Maivue Xiong, Edison 11-7, 11-2
SEMIFINALS
Tomorrow at 3 pm at Harding
Pang Thao, Harding vs Pang Shoua Vang, Harding
Xiong Yang, Arlington vs Sheng Yang, Como Park

DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
Mai Tria Lee/Kaabao Yang, Harding def Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang, Henry 15-4, 15-3
Yer Vang/Phetsamay Chindavong, Central def Nicole Weishaar/Vanessa Jones, Washburn 15-0, 15-1
Katherine McQuarter/Karen Perault-Boughton, South def Poua Khang/Vang Khang, North 15-0, 15-11
Linda Xiong/Pakou Vang, Johnson def Michelle Teigland/Lindsey Mortinson, Burnsville 15-2, 9-15, 15-4
Y/See Xiong, Edison def Pa Vue/Bao Vang, Roosevelt 15-5, 15-6
Cydney Vang/Yer Vue, Johnson def Bee Vang/Emily Huynh, Highland Park 15-6, 15-8
Danielle Meservy/Sokhi Tong, Eden Prairie def Ka Yang/Hnou Xiong, Arlington 15-4, 17-15
Katie Brugh/Brianna Lutz, Burnsville def Choua Vang/Jillian Vue, Humboldt 15-5, 15-7
Joua Lor/Cassey Quach, Central def Panhia Lee/Shoua Thao, Highland Park 15-0, 15-2
Kung Choney/Tenzin Wangmo, Roosevelt def Kiara Nelson/Sassy Yang, North 15-0, 15-0
Dee Xiong/Paosue Vue, Como Park def Kalia Yang/Lee Thao, Humboldt 15-11, 15-12
Nong Vue/Mee Vang, Henry def Ala Xiong/Charlotte Rymanowski, Edison 15-4, 15-3
Dia Xiong/Panhia Yang, Harding def Larysa Euteneuer/Rebecca Wade, Eden Prairie 2-15, 15-12, 15-10
Ping Hoang/Ka Yang, Como Park def Abby Behl/Lydia Kelly, Southwest 15-9, 15-5
Vansana Sisomphane/Danielle Sack, Washburn def. Rachel Loh/Melissa Lynn, Southwest 15-10, 18-17
Yer Vang/Khue Yang, Arlington def Kristina Thoa/Mai Tao Yang, South 15-3, 15-5
SWEET 16
Mai Tria Lee/Kaabao Yang, Harding def Yer Vang/Phetsamay Chindavong, Central 15-3, 15-5
Linda Xiong/Pakou Vang, Johnson def Katherine McQuarter/Karen Perault-Boughton, South 15-8, 15-2
Cydney Vang/Yer Vue, Johnson def Y/See Xiong, Edison 10-15, 15-10, 15-3
Danielle Meservy/Sokhi Tong, Eden Prairie def Katie Brugh/Brianna Lutz, Burnsville 10-15, 15-12, 15-13
Joua Lor/Cassey Quach, Central def Kung Choney/Tenzin Wangmo, Roosevelt 15-1, 15-0
Dee Xiong/Paosue Vue, Como Park def Nong Vue/Mee Vang, Henry 15-0, 15-4
Ping Hoang/Ka Yang, Como Park def Dia Xiong/Panhia Yang, Harding 8-15, 15-12, 15-11
Yer Vang/Khue Yang, Arlington def Vansana Sisomphane/Danielle Sack, Washburn 15-0, 15-1
QUARTERFINALS
Mai Tria Lee/Kaabao Yang, Harding def Linda Xiong/Pakou Vang, Johnson 15-4, 15-3
Cydney Vang/Yer Vue, Johnson def Danielle Meservy/Sokhi Tong, Eden Prairie 17-15, 6-15, 15-4
I only saw the third game in this contest and it broke open in the fifth serving sequence when Johnson duo added six points to go up 10-2. Johnson started the run with an ace and then a drop before four hitting errors kicked in. 43 serves finished this game.
Dee Xiong/Paosue Vue, Como Park def Joua Lor/Cassey Quach, Central 15-9, 15-10
Ping Hoang/Ka Yang, Como Park def Yer Vang/Khue Yang, Arlington 15-10, 15-8
SEMIFINALS
Tomorrow at Harding at 3pm
Mai Tria Lee/Kaabao Yang, Harding vs Cydney Vang/Yer Vue, Johnson
Dee Xiong/Paosue Vue, Como Park vs Ping Hoang/Ka Yang, Como Park

Both Minneapolis city singles and doubles champs exited after the first round. Behl and Kelly were ousted by the Como Park duo Ping Hoang and Ka Yang

Tomorrow after the MN State finals