Two Champs for Edison

#1 posting 5.6.2008
badminton news & information

EDISON DOUBLES UP CITY TITLES
Minneapolis Edison took both the Minneapolis city singles and doubles titles . Chu Mai Thao, the number one seed in the event beat her teammate Pa Nhia Xiong for the title. In the doubles event it was the Edison's Xiong sisters Xia and Kabao beating Martha Streng and Alba Bilani of Southwest.
The odd thing about the events today only one singles match went three games. Washburn's Dani Sack outlasted Desirae Garcia of South.
In the doubles there were two matches that went the distance, both in the first round.

Photos: #1 junior Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison #2 and second place finisher in the City tournament with senior teammate Chu Mai Thao, Edison #1 and City Champ 2008. #2 2008 city Doubles champs Edison's #1 team junior Xia Xiong and senior sister Kabao Xiong. photos by kja

Normally I breakdown each and every game I see. Today I will digest the championships and give a thumbnail of the other events.


First off the breakdown of matches
SINGLES
FIRST ROUND
Madeline Hunsicker, Southwest#1 beat North#2 21-17, 21-15
Dani Sack, Washburn#1 beat Yer Yang, Henry#1 21-9, 21-10
Brett Smith, South#2 beat Roosevelt's#2 21-10, 21-19
Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 beat Hnia Yang, Henry#2 21-11, 21-14
North#1 beat Roosevelt#1 21-8, 21-8
Southwest#2 beat Washburn#2 21-15, 21-6
QUARTERFINALS
Chu Mai Thao, Edison#1 beat Madeline Hunsicker, Southwest#1 21-4, 21-12
Dani Sack, Washburn#1 beat Brett Smith, South#2 21-7, 21-15
Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 beat North#1 21-15, 21-14
Desirae Garcia, South #1 beat Southwest#2 21-9, 21-7
SEMIFINALS
Chu Mai Thao, Edison#1 beat Dani Sack, Washburn#1 21-9, 21-9
Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 beat Desirae Garcia, South#1 21-11, 21-14
THIRD PLACE
Dani Sack, Washburn#1 beat Desirae Garcia, South#1 (three games W-S-W)
CHAMPIONSHIP
Chu Mai Thao, Edison#1 beat Pa Nhia Xiong, Edison#2 21-16, 21-13

DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
Washburn#1 beat Southwest#2 21-19, 21-12
North#2 beat Roosevelt#1 21-12, 21-10
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat Henry#2 19-21, 21-17. 21-9
Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 beat South#2 21-13, 21-19
Washburn#2 beat Roosevelt#2 21-19, 20-22, 21-15
Edison#2 beat Henry#1 21-16, 21-11
QUARTERFINALS
South#1 beat Washburn#1 21-6, 21-14
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat North#2 21-13, 21-11
Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 beat Washburn#2 21-18, 21-5
North#1 beat Edison#2 21-17, 21-4
SEMIFINALS
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat South#1 21-19, 21-17
Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 beat North#1 21-15, 21-15
THIRD PLACE
South#1 beat North#1 21-19, 21-13
CHAMPIONSHIP
Xia Xiong/Kabao Xiong, Edison#1 beat Martha Streng/Alba Bilani, Southwest#1 21-11, 21-17

SINGLES
OPENING ROUND
I opened watching the two #1s facing each other in the opening round of the singles: Dani Sack of Washburn jumped out to a 6-0 lead over Henry's Yer Yang and pushed it out to an 11-1 lead. Those two big runs put Yang in the hole and Sack finished up with a 22-8 win.
Game two started a bit tighter, but Sack had two runs of four and three on a 7-1 burst to go up 10-4. Another 7 point run put the game out of reach at 19-6. Yang had a three point run, but it was a matter of too little too late. Sack won 21-10.
Last year Yang was part of the city doubles championship for Henry
QUARTERFINALS #1
Chu Mai Thao had a bye in the first round and faced Madeline Hunsicker of Southwest. The first game opened with five straight side outs. Thao burst open the game with a run of six followed by a four followed by the final push of nine. Thao sided out five straight times against Hunsicker.

Game two was tighter. Hunsicker led 6-4 and held Thao's runs down to a minimum. Still Thao had runs of 3, 4 and 3. In fact for the series Thao had a 6-0 advantage in runs of 3+.

QUARTERFINALS #2
Dani Sack used a 11 point run in the first game to accelerate past South's Brett Smith. Sack rushed the net for five punch/dunks. Sack had Smith covering the entire court. Sack won 21-7
In game two Sack opened with a 9-2 run. Smith rallied with her own run of seven points to tie the game at 13. It was the side out game that put Sack over the top. Sack was 7/12 at .583 while Smith was 4/14 for .286. Sack finished with two consecutive four point runs in the 21-15 win.

SEMIFINALS
The side out game that worked well for Dani Sack in the quarterfinals disappeared in the semis. Sack was 4/15 in this game for .267. Chu Mai Thao held a 10/13 side out advantage good for .769. In game one Thao used a 7 point run to finish the game in a 21-9 win.
In game two Thao opened with five straight points. She added two more runs of five in the second game. Tabulating the total runs Thao had the advantage 5-2. Thao ended the second game with a smash, her fourth in that game and fifth for the series.

CHAMPIONSHIP
In an all Edison battle it was Chu Mai Thao over her teammate Pa Nhia Xiong. I had different scores that were given 21-15, and 20-13. With both familiar with each other's game their was a intensity not seen in the other games. Xiong had a four point run to go up 7-5. Thao didn't break free until a 8 point run to go up 16-9. Thao had two aces in that mix. Thao sided out at .600 (6/10) while Xiong checked in at .444 (4/9). Runs were few and far between with one each, but Thao had the huge 8 point run to propell her to victory.

In game two Thao held steady in the side out game at .667 (6/9) while Xiong was .400 (4/10). Xiong led early at 4-3. Thao didn't break free until she came up with a six point run to go up 17-10. The match ended on a Xiong hit that went wide.

CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Thao 12/19-.632; Xiong 8/19-.421
RUNS OF 3+:
Thao 1, Xiong 1
POINTS:
Thao 41
Winners 20: Drops 6, Aces 5, Clears 4, Soft Drives 3, Smashes 2
Xiong Errors 21: hitting 19 (Net 12, Wide 3, Deep 2, Fan 2), serving 2 (Deep 2)
Xiong 28
Winners: 16: Drives 8, Soft Drives 3, Smashes 2, Drops 2, Clears 1
Thao Errors 12: hitting 8 (Deep 4, Net 3, Wide 1); Serving 4 (Wide 2, Deep 2)
Time: 12:27

Photos: #1 The Minneapolis city champ Chu Mai Thao, #2: Pa Nhia Xiong goes so high her racket isn't in the shot. #3. The celebration between the two teammates after the match. photos by kja

DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP
It was Edison's duo of Xia and Kabao Xiong winning the first game 21-11, and then rallying in game two for the championship. The Tommie pair had an advantage in the side out game and in the run department. The Xiongs had a side out % of .611 (11/18) to 5/19 (.263) and a 6-2 run advantage.

The Edison pair started off with a 2-0 advantage on their serve and built it up to 7-2 after a three point run. They pushed the lead out to a 14-7 advantage with another run of three. But it was the six point run that put them on the verge at 20-9. The Laker tandem scored two more points before Edison got the win at 21-11.

Martha Streng and Alba Bilani bounced back to take a 6-2 lead in game two. The SW pair had a four point run to get the lead. It was the side out advantage that kept SW from extending that lead. Edison got the side out in four of the next five SW serves. The Xiongs had a run of three to take their first lead at 13-12 since the opening point. Streng and Bilani regained the lead with three more points to go in front 15-13. Southwest's last lead came at 16-15 after Edison tied it up. The key at the end: Edison got two straight side outs, and SW didn't. Edison finished with a 6-1 to win the title 21-17.

photos: #1 Edison's #1 double team of Xia Xiong and Kabao Xiong city 2008 champs. #2. Southwest's Alba Bilani and Martha Streng. photos by kja

CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Edison 11/18-.611; Southwest 5/19 -.263
RUNS OF 3+:
Edison 6, Southwest 2
POINTS:
Edison 42
Winners 21: Drives 9, Smashes 6, Soft Drives 3, Clears 3
Southwest Errors 21: hitting 20 (Net 12, Wide 4, Fan 3, Deep 1), serving 1 (short)
Southwest 28
Winners 11: Drives 5, Clears 3, Soft Drives 2, Aces 1
Edison Errors 17: hitting 15 (Net 7, Wide 6, Fan 1, Drives 1); Serving 2 (net 2)
Time: 13:07

Next up: tomorrow

Out & About: Harding Triangular

#1 posting 5.5.2008
badminton news & information

HARDING TRIANGULAR
Today the St. Paul Co Champ St. Paul Harding hosted Burnsville and the Minneapolis Co Champ Edison in a triangular. There were some line up maneuverings for Harding in the first match up with Burnsville, but the Knights were at full strength vs their west river rivals. Harding edged Burnsville 4-3, and then swept Edison 7-0.

ST. PAUL HARDING knights 4, BURNSVILLE blaze 3

Harding and Burnsville both had line up changes. Harding moved Stephanie King and Alana Yang up and added Mai Chua Vang and Tiffany Yang at the 3rd and 4th singles. Both usually are on the JV. Burnsville also had new 3rd and 4th singles. Due to a science event next week the 2nd and 3rd singles for the Blaze are done for the year. Also Third doubles for the Blaze changed with Laura Farhart and Molly Jones taking over. Two of the three new Blaze combinations won their events. The tightest match took place at 3rd doubles with Harding prevailing by six points.

FIRST SINGLES
Stephanie King didn't miss a beat moving up from second singles to first with a 21-13, 21-6 win. Ciara Hogenson started off in the lead with two straight points. But the tale of this contest was in the side out %. King in both games checked in with a .800 %. King had a five point run to go up 15-10. Hogenson did close to 17-13. King got the side out and then finished up with three more points with an exclamation point smash to finish.

Hogenson did not score on any serve in game two. King had 8 straight points to go up 10-2 with two aces in the mix. The game was over fairly quickly with King getting two more runs.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
King 12/15 .800; Hogenson 5/16-.313
RUNS OF 3+:
King 6, Hogenson 1
POINTS:
King 42
Winners 22: Soft Drives 7, Aces 4, Smashes 4, Drives 2, Clears 2, Drops 2
Hogenson Errors 20: hitting 17 (Net 10, Wide 6, Fan 1), serving 3 (Net 2, Deep 1)
Hogenson 19
Winners: 8: Soft Drives 2, Drives 2, Drops 2, Aces 1, Clears 1
King Errors 11: hitting 10 (Wide 5, Net 4, Deep 1); Serving 1 (net)
Time: 11:55

SINGLES
1. Stephanie King (H) beat Ciara Hogenson 21-13, 21-6
2. Alana Yang (H) beat Bea Soderholm 21-11, 21-14
3. Emily Zhang (B) beat Mai Chua Vang 21-13, 21-12
4. Crystal Collins (B) beat Tiffany Yang 21-9, 21-15
DOUBLES
1. Mai Ngia Xiong/Mor Xiong (H) beat Amy Linblad/Natalie Leiker 21-8, 21-13
2. Lisa Dennnis/Soogin Moon (B) beat Chao Xiong/Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang 23-21, 22-20
3. Gao Thao/Pa Nyia Thao (H) beat Laura Farhart/Molly Jones 21-19, 21-17

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 2-2 .500
Games: Harding 4-4 .500
Points: Harding 133-128 .510
decided by 10+: Harding 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: 0-0
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-2 .667
points: Harding 125-102 .551
decided by 10+: Harding 1-0
decided by 3-: Burnsville 2-1 .667

BURNSVILLE blaze 5, MINNEAPOLIS EDISON tommies 2

Edison took the first two singles spots, but Burnsville took the rest in a 5-2 win. The Edison wins were narrow ones at that. Three of the four games were decided by two points. Emily Zhang and Crystal Collins took their second wins of the day. Zhang needed three games and rallied from 1-0 down. Collins held Candy Camora to single digits both games. Burnsville swept the doubles with only the first game at first doubles going long at 26-24.

FIRST SINGLES
Mai Chu Thao edged Ciara Hogenson in a pair of down to the wire games. Thao had the early advantage at 5-3. Hogenson battled back to go up 9-7 with a five point run. Thao had her own three point run to reclaim the lead including a handcuff drive. The problem was Hogenson couldn't get the side out when Thao serve. Thao gained at least one point on her serve 8 straight times. Thao led 19-16 and then the game shifted to side out mode. Both players traded fans for side outs. Thao took game one 21-18.

Hogenson took the early lead in game one with a run of three. Thao tied it up at six. Hogenson pushed out to 10-6 with a pair of drives on a four point run. Thao closed to 12-11, but Hogenson answered with another three point run to lead 15-11. Thao had a five point run, her first extended run in this game to take a 17-16 lead. Hogenson had the +1 advantage four times, the last coming at 21-20. Thao was able to get three straight side outs to hold off defeat. She tied it at 21 on a smash. She then held her serve and finished the game off with a soft drive 23-21.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS: Thao 16/24-.667; Hogenson 11/25 -.440
RUNS OF 3+: Thao 4, Hogenson 4
POINTS:
Thao 44
Winners 22: Clears 9, Smashes 6, Soft Drives 3, Drives 2, Aces 2
Hogenson Errors 22: hitting 20 (Net 13, Fan 3, wide 3, Deep 1), serving 2 (Deep 1, Wide 1)
Hogenson 39
Winners: 12: Soft Drives 4, Drives 3, Aces 2, Clears 2, Smashes 1
Thao Errors 27: hitting 22 (Net 9, Deep 7, Fan 3, Wide 3); Serving 5 (Deep 3, Wide 1, Net 1)
Time: 16:04

SINGLES
1. Mai Chu Thao (E) beat Ciara Hogenson 21-19, 23-21
2. Pa Nha Xiong (E) beat Bea Soderholm 22-20, 21-16
3. Emily Zhang (B) beat Ly Vang 18-21, 21-17, 21-13
4. Crystal Collins (B) beat Candy Camora 21-9, 21-7
DOUBLES
1. Amy Linblad/Natalie Leiker (B) beat Xia Xiong/Ka Bao Xiong 26-24, 21-14
2. Lisa Dennnis/Soogin Moon (B) beat Kia Vue/Karrie Le 21-9, 21-5
3. Laura Farhart/Molly Jones (B) beat Yer Vue/Brenda Vue 21-15, 21-10

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Burnsville 2-2 .500
Games: Edison 5-4 .556
Points: Burnsville 178-154 .536
decided by 10+: Burnsville 2-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Edison 4-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Burnsville 3-0 1.000
games: Burnsville 6-0 1.000
points: Burnsville 131-77 .629
decided by 10+: Burnsville 3-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Burnsville 1-0 1.000

ST. PAUL HARDING knights 7, MINNEAPOLIS EDISON tommies 0

Harding swept Edison 7-0 and also swept them 14-10. The closest Edison came to getting a game was the second game at third singles when Ly Vang fell short 21-19. Six of the games Edison didn't get out of single digits.

FIRST SINGLES
Mee Xiong returned to the line up and didn't miss a beat as she limited her errors to only 8 in a 21-7, 21-11 win over Mai Chu Thao. It was Thao's second loss this year.

In game one Xiong jumped off with 8 straight points as five Thao errors helped her cause. The lead soon ballooned to 14-1 and 19-3. A three point run by Thao made little impact as Xiong finished with 5/6 side outs in a 21-7 win.

Xiong trailed 2-1 before reeling off eight straight points to lead 9-2. Six Thao errors propelled Xiong at that stage. Xiong had another long run of 7 later in the game to go up 20-7. Thao held off Xiong for four points before Xiong ended it all on a smash.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS: Xiong 8/12-.667; Thao 5/11-.455
RUNS OF 3+: Xiong 6, Thao 2
POINTS:
Xiong 42
Winners: 17: Soft Drives 5, Smashes 4, Drives 3, Drops 2, Clears 2, Aces 1
Thao Errors 25: hitting 22 (Net 14, Wide 5, Fans 3); Serving 3 (Deep 2, Net 1)
Thao 18
Winners 10: Soft Drives 4, Clears 3, Drives 1, Drops 1, Aces 1
Xiong Errors 8: hitting 4 (Wide 2, Fan 1, Net 1), serving 4 (Deep 3, Wide 1)
Time: 10:03

SINGLES
1. Mee Xiong (H) beat Mai Chu Thao 21-7, 21-11
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Pa Nha Xiong 21-8, 21-9
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Ly Vang 21-10, 21-19
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Candy Camora 21-6, 21-17
DOUBLES
1. Mai Ngia Xiong/Mor Xiong (H) beat Xia Xiong/Ka Bao Xiong 21-18, 21-6
2. Gao Thao/Pa Nyia Thao (H) beat Kia Vue/Karrie Le 21-10, 21-17
3. Chao Xiong/Boa Vang (H) beat Yer Vue/Brenda Vue 21-9, 21-7

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 4-0 1.000
Games: Harding 8-0 1.000
Points: Harding 168-87 .659
decided by 10+: Harding 5-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 3-0 1.000
games: Harding 6-0 1.000
points: Harding 126-67 .653
decided by 10+: Harding 4-0
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0

Next up: Tomorrow

Polls and Late Results

#1 posting 5.2.2008
badminton news & information

LATE RESULTS
WEDNESDAY
Here are the latest results from Wednesday and Thursday

St. Paul Harding swept their triangular with Minneapolis South and St. Paul Arlington. Arlington won the third leg of the event with a 4-3 victory over the Tigers.

In other St. Paul action that day Central had the brooms ready for Humboldt. In the battles of the Parks it was Highland over Como 6-1.

THURSDAY
Central had revenge over Highland Park with a 4-3 win. Earlier in the season the score was flipped at HP.
In a non con game Johnson beat Burnsville 6-1.

In Minneapolis I reported on South's sweep of Henry. In other Mpls action North beat Washburn 6-1.

POLLS
Not a lot of changes, but a few switches
1. Harding
2. Johnson
3. Eden Prairie
4. Central
5. Highland Park
6. Edison
7. Arlington
8. Como Park
9. South
10. Burnsville
11. Humboldt
12. Henry
13. North
14. Southwest
15. Washburn
16. Roosevelt

INDIVIDUALS
I don't see these changing
1. Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie
2. Khoua Xiong, St. Paul Highland Park
3. Mee Xiong, St. Paul Harding
4. Goly Yang, St. Paul Johnson
5. Yer Chang, St. Paul Central

Next week--St. Paul has one more match to play on Monday. Tuesday Minneapolis will hold their city tournament at Edison. Wednesday and Thursday it is St. Paul's turn with Central hosting.

next up: Monday

Next up: Monday

Out & About: Mpls South/Mpls Henry

#1 posting 5.1.2008
badminton news & information

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH tigers 7
MINNEAPOLIS HENRY patriots 0

South swept Henry to keep pace with Edison in the Minneapolis city race. This marked the second straight sweep suffered by Henry. There was only one match that had any drama and that was at second singles. Brett Smith outlasted Nhia Yang in the third game marathon 23-21.

There were a few adjustments in the Henry line up with new players at third and fourth singles. Both players from Tuesday's game at Edison missed practice yesterday. Also the gym divider at Henry was stuck, so the match was divided and had a more closed in feeling.

FIRST SINGLES
Yer Yang had more winners (15-11) than Desirae Garcia, but Garcia kept the bird in play and limited her errors in putting together a 2-0 win. The fact was Yang and Garcia had similar side out numbers, but Garcia ruled in runs of 3 or more with six, and prevented Yang from gaining any traction with only one run on the day.

Garcia used a four point run in game one to jump out 5-1. Yang used her only run of the day to close the gap to 9-7 with a smash and ace. Garcia then used an 8 point run to go out in front 17-7. Garcia had a couple of drops in that sequence. There were four side outs the rest of the way as Garcia won 21-10.

Yang led 4-3 when the serving problems that were prevalent on Tuesday came back to haunt her. Garcia got the bird back on a missed deep serve. That was to be the first of five in this frame. That missed serve opened up a five point run for Garcia. She led 8-4. Yang was able to close to 10-9. Garcia used another of her runs, all on Yang errors for a 14-9 lead. Yang pulled to 16-14. Garcia had her last run to go up 19-14. The serving errors also struck Garcia. After going deep, Yang cleared for point 16. After that the bird was traded three time and Garcia walked off the court with a 21-17 win.

photos: #1. Desirae Garcia follows through on a shot close to the net. #2. Yer Yang lunges to her right for a bird. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Desirae Garcia 11/19-.579; Yer Yang 10/18 -.556
RUNS OF 3+:
Desirae Garcia 6, Yer Yang 1
POINTS:
Desirae Garcia 42
Winners 11: Drops 4, Soft Drives 4, Drives 2, Clears 1
Yer Yang Errors 31: hitting 25 (Net 12, Wides 7, Deep 5, Fans 3); Serving 6 (Wide 2, Short 2, Deep 2)
Yer Yang 27
Winners: 15: Soft Drives 7, Clears 4, Drops 1, Smashes 1, Aces 1, Drives 1
Desirae Garcia Errors 12: hitting 9 (Wide 4, Net 3, Deep 1, Fan 1); Serving 3 (Deep 2, Wide 1)
Time: 13:43

SINGLES
1. Desirae Garcia (S) beat Yer Yang 21-10, 21-17
2. Brett Smith (S) beat Nhia Yang 21-14, 17-21, 23-21
3. Jessica Jolson (S) beat Mena Vue 21-13, 21-17
4. Cece Duerney (S) beat Gao Khue 21-8, 21-12
DOUBLES
1. Melissa Ng/Jane Olmstead-Rumsey (S) beat Neng Vang/See Thao 21-15, 21-15
2. Jackee Heslop/Karen Perault-Bouthton (S) beat Lakresha Williams/Sheng Xiong 21-10, 21-16
3. Rachel Mammen/Katherine McQuarter (S) beat Shoua/Tenisha 21-14, 21-13

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: South 4-0 1.000
Games: South 8-1 .889
Points: South 187-133 .584
decided by 10+: South 2-0
decided by 3-: South 1-0
DOUBLES
matches: South 3-0 1.000
games: South 6-0 1.000
points: South 126-83 .603
decided by 10+: South 1-0 1.000
decided by 3-: 0-0

next up: tomorrow

Results from Monday and Tuesday

#1 posting 4.30.2008
badminton news & information

There is no out & about today.
However there are two days worth of results to digest.

On Monday in St. Paul
Besides the Arlington 4-3 win over Como Park, Harding beat Central 6-1 and Johnson beat Highland Park by the same score.
Humboldt won a non conference match with Minneapolis Henry 4-3.

In Minneapolis North beat Southwest in a make up match 4-3.

On Tuesday in Minneapolis
Besides the Edison 7-0 win over Henry yesterday that I reported on---North won their second match in two days with a 5-2 win over Roosevelt. South swept Southwest 7-0.

In other news Minneapolis Henry coach Tim Miller and wife Megan welcomed new baby girl Riley into the world on April 22.

next up: tomorrow I will be back in the out & about circuit as the last full regular season week wraps up.

Out & About: Edison/Henry

#1 posting 4.29.2008
badminton news & information

MINNEAPOLIS EDISON tommies 7,
MINNEAPOLIS HENRY patriots 0

The Edison Tommies rolled over the Henry Patriots in a Minneapolis battle. The Tommies swept all events. The singles were clean, each at 2-0. The doubles provided the only drama with two matches going to three games. Henry led 1-0 at second doubles before Kia and Brenda Vue rallied for the the win. Yer Vue and Karrie Le won the first and then lost the second before completing the perfect day for Edison.

FIRST SINGLES
If you look closely at the numbers you will find both players had the exact same amount of winners at 13. It was in the error department that Chue Mai Thao of Edison took advantage of the points gift wrapped by Yer Yang. Yang had seven missed serves, five for first side outs in the first game. Thao won that game 21-14----seven better. Thao only had three winners in the first game. Yang ended her own serve on three straight sequences twice in the first game.

The second game had more winners for each player and was more compelling. Yang led early at 3-1. Thao was able to get a five point run to take a 6-3 lead. Yang managed to tie it up at 10 and 11. A 7-1 Thao run put the Tommie in the drivers seat. In the last run of three Thao had a pair of clears for points. The rest of the game was a battle of side outs.

photos: Chu Mai Thao studying a previous shot. #2. Yer Yang rises up for the shot. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Chue Mai Thao 14/20-.700; Yer Yang 9/19 .474
RUNS OF 3+:
Chue Mai Thao 6, Yer Yang 3
POINTS:
Chue Mai Thao 42
Winners 13: Soft Drives 6, Clears 3, Drives 2, Smashes 2
Yer Yang Errors 29: hitting 21 (Net 10, Fan 4, Wide 4, Deep 3); Serving 8 (Deep 5, Wide 3)
Yer Yang 29
Winners: 13: Soft Drives 5, Aces 3, Clears 3, Drops 1, Smashes 1
Chue Mai Thao Errors 16: hitting 15 (Net 11, Wide 4); Serving 1 (Net 1)
Time: 13:38

SINGLES
1. Chue Mai Thao (E) beat Yer Yang 21-14, 21-15
2. Pa Nha Xiong (E) beat Nhia Yang 21-14, 21-14
3. Ly Vang (E) beat Choua Pha 21-15, 21-12
4. Candy Camora (E) beat Ma Pha 21-15, 21-17
DOUBLES
1. Xia Xiong/Ka Bao Xiong (E) beat Neng Vang/See Thao 21-10, 21-15
2. Kia Vue/Brenda Vue (E) beat Lakresha Williams/Sheng Xiong 15-21, 21-19, 21-13
3. Yer Vue/Karrie Le (E) beat Shoua/Tenisha 21-11, 15-21, 21-15

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Edison 4-0 1.000
Games: Edison 8-0 1.000
Points: Edison 168-116 .592
decided by 10+: 0-0
decided by 3-: 0-0
DOUBLES
matches: Edison 3-0 1.000
games: Edison 6-2 .750
points: Edison 156-125 .555
decided by 10+: Edison 2-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Edison 1-0 1.000

next up: tomorrow

Out & About: Arlington/Como Park

#1 posting 4.28.2008
badminton news & information

ST. PAUL ARLINGTON phoenix 4,
ST. PAUL COMO PARK cougars 3

One of the great things about badminton is that no matter how miserable the weather (temps topping out at 40 degrees) the game goes on. The weather was cold but the action on Rice Street was hot. Arlington won a tight contest with Como Park 4-3. How tight was it? if you add the total points Arlington beat Como by one 333-332. Arlington took the last two singles, and the odd doubles to put together their win. All the doubles went three games. Three of the games were within two of each other. At first doubles the Arlington pair lost the first game and bounced back to take the victory. At second and third both winners split their series.
The fact is I saw the two matches that had the largest margins, so the action wasn't representitive of the final score.

It was senior day for Arlington as 13 seniors received flowers.

FIRST SINGLES
This was a rare case in this match of one player having an easy victory. Yer Yang had 26 points given to her on hitting and or serving errors by Kazoua Yang. Yer Yang's victory margin in points was 19. The next closest match was at fourth singles with 13 (which is told down below).
Yer Yang had 7 runs of 3 or more and slammed the door on Kazoua's serve with a side out % of .688. If you look at the winners for each player Yer edged Kazoua 16-15.

Yer took a 5-1 lead in the first game and it was never seriously in doubt. Yer had five runs in the first game. Kazoua was able to get two side outs on Yer's 5th and 6th serve.

In game two Kazoua was able to get as close as 8-6 after trailing 4-1. A Yer run of five put some distance between the two. Kazoua hitting errors provided four points in the run. Kazoua had her only run of the match with four straight to close to 13-10. The game stayed in the three point margin until Yer got a side out. She finished off the match with five straight.

Photos: #1 Yer Yang eyeing the bird. #2 Kazoua Yang reaches for the bird. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yer Yang 11/16-.688; Kazoua Yang 8/18-.444
RUNS OF 3+:
Yer Yang 7, Kazoua Yang 1
POINTS:
Yer Yang 42
Winners: 16: Drops 7, Soft Drives 3, Drives 2, Clears 2, Smashes 2
Kazoua Yang Errors 26: hitting 24 (Net 13, Wide 5, Deep 4, Fans 2); Serving 2 (Wide 1, Net 1)
Kazoua Yang 23
Winners 15: Drops 9, Soft Drive 2, Smashes 2, Clears 2
Yer Yang Errors 8: hitting 8 (Net 4, Wide 2, Drives 1, Fans 1)
Time: 13:00

FOURTH SINGLES
The fourth singles match had two games with a different feel. Tina Yang controlled the action in game one right from the start with six straight points. At the start it was evident that Der Xiong didn't have the energy that Yang possessed. Xiong did come back to 14-10, but Yang took another big run with five straight to put her on the verge. Yang used the drop for six points in game one including point #21.

Game two was much more competitive. Yang had a run of four for a 6-3 lead. Again the drop was effective for two points. Yang led 14-12 when Der Xiong had a monster run of seven to grab a 19-14 lead. Xiong was on the verge at 20-15 when, on her serve, Yang forced a side out as Xiong fanned on a shot. Yang then served out with six straight points--the last point---a drop.

Photos: Tina Yang up close with a back hand. Der Xiong about to smash. photos by kja

FOURTH SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Tina Yang 6/16-.375; Der Xiong 6/16-.353
RUNS OF 3+:
Tina Yang 6, Der Xiong 2
POINTS:
Tina Yang 43
Winners: 28: Drops 13, Drives 7, Clears 3, Smashes 3, Soft Drives 1, Aces 1
Der Xiong Errors 15: hitting 15 (Nets 11, Fans 2, Wides 1, Deep 1)
Der Xiong 31
Winners 12: Drives 3, Drops 2, Clears 2, Aces 2, Smashes 2, Soft Drives 1
Tina Yang Errors 19: hitting 15 (Nets 10, Wides 4, Fans 1); Serves 4 (Deep 3, Wide 1)
Time: 14:50

SINGLES
1. Yer Yang (CP) beat Kazoua Yang 21-10, 21-13
2. KaNeng Vue (CP) beat Cha Her 21-12, 16-21, 21-16
3. Novia Josiah (A) beat Nou Fang 21-16, 21-16
4. Tina Yang (A) beat Der Xiong 21-11, 22-20
DOUBLES
1. Pa Hnia Yang/Kia Her (A) beat Bao Vue/Alynda Her 13-21, 21-14, 21-15
2. Youa Lee/Xue Yang (CP) beat Pamale Thao/Chia Vang 22-20, 21-23, 21-16
3. Nancy Vang/Zee Lue Xiong (A) beat Nikita Vang/Paxia Her 21-17, 20-22, 21-16

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: 2-2
Games: Arlington 5-4 .556
Points: Como Park 163-157 .509
decided by 10+: 1-1
decided by 3-: Arlington 1-0
DOUBLES
matches: Arlington 2-1 .667
games: Arlington 5-4 .556
points: Arlington 176-169 .510
decided by 10+: 0-0
decided by 3-: Como Park 2-1 .667

next up: tomorrow

Rankings and Week Ahead

#1 posting 4.27.2008
badminton news & information

WEEKLY RANKINGS
With Harding's win over Johnson this past week they flip flop the top spot.
1. Harding
2. Johnson
3. Eden Prairie
4. Highland Park
5. Central
6. Edison
7. South
8. Como Park
9. Burnsville
10. Arlington
11. Humboldt
12. Henry
13. Southwest
14. North
15. Washburn
16. Roosevelt

#1 SINGLES RANKINGS
I have seen these three the most. I have one match records for many others, but that is not enough to make the list.
1. Katie Vohnoutka, Eden Prairie
2. Khoua Xiong, St. Paul Highland Park
3. Mee Xiong, St. Paul Harding
4. Goly Yang, St. Paul Johnson
5. Chang, St. Paul Central

THE WEEK AHEAD
This is the last full week for the regular season. The Minneapolis race is up in the air with South and Edison each with one loss. Henry may be the spoiler as they play each this week.
In St. Paul Harding will be at Central, they host Arlington, and Como Park. Johnson hosts Highland Park and Humboldt this week. Both Harding and Johnson have one loss.

By the way I have finally added the photos for the Harding/Johnson match and the Burnsville triangular with Harding and Eden Prairie.

Next up:

Late Results

#1 posting 4.25.2008
badminton news & information

It has been a while since we checked in on the results from around the area
THURSDAY
Edison edged South 4-3 which is the same score Washburn used to beat Roosevelt in Minneapolis.
In St. Paul Johnson dropped Arlington 6-1.
I reported on the Burnsville Triangular yesterday. I hope to get the photos up later today.

WEDNESDAY
In Minneapolis--- Henry beat Roosevelt 5-2; South beat North 6-1, and Southwest swept Washburn 7-0.

In St. Paul Central beat Arlington 5-2 and Highland Park also beat Humboldt 5-2. I reported on the Harding 4-3 win over Johnson on Wednesday.

In non conference action it was Como Park beating Burnsville 5-2.

Next up: tomorrow

Out & About: Burnsville Triangular

#1 posting 4.24.2008
badminton news & information

BURNSVILLE TRIANGULAR
Today Burnsville hosted St. Paul Harding and Eden Prairie in a triangular. Harding finished 2-0, Eden Prairie split their contests, and Burnsville lost twice.

This also marked the third time I saw Harding this week (or fourth). The schedule works out like that some times.

MATCH 1:
ST. PAUL HARDING knights 7, BURNSVILLE blaze 0

Harding swept Burnsville 7-0 and the Knights did not lose a game. The closest contest came in the second game at first doubles as Mai Ngia Xiong and Mor Xiong went way beyond the 21 points in a 26-24 marathon win. They trailed when I first started watching 14-10.

FIRST SINGLES
At first singles Mee Xiong after spotting Ciera Hogenson a 2-0 lead had runs on her next four serves in a 21-6 win in game one. In game two it was more of the same as Xiong got into a rhythm. The drop worked for 7 Xiong points in game two.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Xiong 4/7 -.571; Hogenson 2/9-.222
RUNS OF 3+:
Xiong 7, Hogenson 0
POINTS:
Xiong 43* by my count
Winners: 26: Drops 10, Drives 8, Clears 5, Smashes 1, aces 1, soft drives 1
Hogenson Errors 17: hitting 17 (Net 9, Wide 5, Fan 3)
Hogenson 10
Winners 4: Smashes 2, Drives 1, Clears 1
Xiong Errors 6: hitting 5 (Net 3, Wide 1, Deep 1), serving 1 (net 1)
Time: 10:24

SINGLES
1. Mee Xiong (H) beat Ciara Hogenson 21-6, 21-4
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Adrienne Sherman 21-11, 21-10
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Claire Weiss 21-14, 21-18
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Bea Soderholm 21-11, 21-12
DOUBLES
1. Mai Ngia Xiong/Mor Xiong (H) beat Amy Linblad/Natalie Leiker 21-16, 26-24
2. Gao Thao/Pa Nyia Thao (H) beat Lisa Dennnis/Soogin Moon 21-7, 21-17
3. Chao Xiong/Boa Vang (H) beat Ashley Kolstad/Leah Kolstad 21-15, 21-7

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 4-0 1.000
Games: Harding 8-0 1.000
Points: Harding 168-86 .661
decided by 10+: Harding 5-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 3-0 1.000
games: Harding 6-0 1.000
points: Harding 131-86 .604
decided by 10+: Harding 2-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0 1.000

MATCH 2:
ST. PAUL HARDING knights 5, EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 2

Harding beat Eden Prairie by taking all matches but the first singles and first doubles. This was a tighter contest than indicated. At third singles Crystal Yang edged out Zyue Chen in two, but it took an extra point in each game to secure the win. Second doubles also had a tight beginning for Gao Thao and Pa Nyia Thao at 21-19.
Eden Prairie took both firsts, but they were contested also. Katie Vohoutka slipped past Mee Xiong at singles with a 22-20 margin in the first game. EP's first doubles duo of Becca Wade and Larysa Eteneuer was the only match that went three games. The Eagles pair won the first game, fell in the second and took the third.

FIRST SINGLES
This was the most interesting of the three singles matches today. Xiong started off with a three point run. Vohnoutka answered right back with a run of three on her own. She added another three run after a Xiong side out to make it 6-4. Xiong took advantage of three errors to take an 11-9 lead. The smash game kicked in for Vohnoutka with three straight points off smashes to make it 15-13. Xiong tied it at 15 and the game was tied three more times, the last at 20. Vohnoutka was on the verge at 20-19, but a shot that sailed wide tied it up at 20. Vohnoutka ended the first game with two straight smashes.

The EP Senior used that momentum to launch game two with five straight points (again with three smashes). The Side out game was controlled by Vohnoutka .750 in this game. She also had two more runs. Xiong got close with a five point run to make it 12-10. Most were hitting errors on drop attempts or smash attempts by Vohnoutka. Xiong served deep and the momentum shifted back to Vohnoutka. She had an 8-3 run to finish.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Vohnoutka 12/20 .600; Xiong 8/20-.400
RUNS OF 3+:
Vohnoutka 6, Xiong 3
POINTS:
Vohnoutka 43
Winners 27: Smashes 18, Clears 6, Drops 1, Soft Drives 1, Drives 1
Xiong Errors 16: hitting 14 (Net 6, Wide 3, Deep 3, Fans 2), serving 2 (Deep 2)
Xiong 33
Winners: 12: Drives 5, Smashes 2, Clears 2, Soft Drives 1, Aces 1, Drops 1
Vohnoutka Errors 21: hitting 21 (Net 11, Wide 5, Deep 3, Fan 2)
Time: 14:40

SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Mee Xiong 22-20, 21-13
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Nicky Wade 21-16, 21-8
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Zyue Chen 22-20, 22-20
4. Alana Yang (H) beat Janet Stewart 21-12, 21-7
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Mai Ngia Xiong/Mor Xiong (H) 21-7, 16-21, 21-15
2. Gao Thao/Pa Nyia Thao (H) beat Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake 21-19, 21-12
3. Chao Xiong/Boa Vang (H) beat Cailin Hawkins/Victoria Phoung 21-11, 21-15

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 3-1 .750
Games: Harding 6-2 .750
Points: Harding 161-126 .561
decided by 10+: Harding 2-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 2-1 .667
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 5-2 .714
points: Harding 127-115 .525
decided by 10+: Eden Prairie 1-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Harding 1-0 1.000

MATCH 3
EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 7, BURNSVILLE blaze 0

Eden Prairie swept host Burnsville in the final match 7-0. The tightest contests came at doubles with EP's 2nd doubles Samantha Klemp and Heather Blake dropping the first game before bouncing back and winning the next two; and Cailin Hawkins and Victoria Phoung pulling the same trick at third doubles. They needed to go extra points in game two to tie it up.

FIRST SINGLES
Vohnoutka broke free from a 7-5 game with a 12-0 run in game one. Once again the smash was working as the EP senior had 9 for the first game.

Vohnoutka controlled the side out game in game two. She did not have such a massive run in game two, and the smashes weren't as frequent, but the results were similar. Her biggest run was a six point margin taking her from an 11-7 lead to 17-7. The Smash did return for the final point.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Vohnoutka 12/15-.800; Hogenson 6/15-.400
RUNS OF 3+:
Vohnoutka 5, Hogenson 1
POINTS:
Vohnoutka 42
Winners 22: Smashes 14, Drives 5, Clears 2, Soft Drives 1
Hogenson Errors 20: hitting 17 (Net 8, Wides 6, Deep 2, Fan 1), serving 3 (Deep 2, Net 1)
Hogenson 18
Winners: 5: Clears 2, Drops 2, Smashes 1
Vohnoutka Errors 13: hitting 12 (Deep 5, Net 4, Wide 3); Serving 1 (wide)
Time: 11:10

SINGLES
1. Katie Vohnoutka (EP) beat Ciara Hogenson 21-7, 21-11
2. Nicky Wade (EP) beat Adrienne Sherman 21-14, 21-19
3. Zyue Chen (EP) beat Claire Weiss 21-17, 21-14
4. Janet Stewart (EP) beat Bea Soderholm 21-13, 21-13
DOUBLES
1. Becca Wade/Larysa Eteneuer (EP) beat Amy Linblad/Natalie Leiker 21-14, 21-14
2. Samantha Klemp/Heather Blake (EP) beat Lisa Dennnis/Soogin Moon 18-21, 21-18, 21-14
3. Cailin Hawkins/Victoria Phoung (EP) beat Ashley Kolstad/Leah Kolstad 13-21, 23-21, 21-8

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Eden Prairie 4-0 1.000
Games: Eden Prairie 8-0 1.000
Points: Eden Prairie 168-108 .609
decided by 10+: Eden Prairie 1-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Eden Prairie 1-0 1.000
DOUBLES
matches: Eden Prairie 3-0 1.000
games: Eden Prairie 6-2 .750
points: Eden Prairie 159-131 .548
decided by 10+: Eden Prairie 1-0 1.000
decided by 3-: Eden Prairie 2-1 .667

Next up: tomorrow

Out & About: St. Paul Harding/St. Paul Johnson

#1 posting 4.23.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

ST. PAUL HARDING knights 4,
ST. PAUL JOHNSON governors 3

The Harding Knights turned the tables on Johnson 4-3 in a revenge match between the two east side rivals. Harding split the singles and took two of the three doubles reversing the first meeting of the year between the two. Only one match went three games and that was won by Johnson at second singles as Goly Yang bounced back to take game three after winning game one. There were a couple of matches at doubles that went to extra points (or point). Both of those extra point games were in the second game and both at the first two doubles. Each team won a match in that manner.

FIRST SINGLES
I arrived with the score 10-4 for Mee Xiong of Harding. Pang Thao was slotted in first singles for the first time when I was watching. Her mobility appeared to be an issue as Xiong had five drops with Thao conceding those shots in the first six points I saw from Xiong. Xiong had runs of four twice and also had 3/4 side outs in the abbreviated first game stats.

Both players had six straight side outs to start the game. Two of the first points for Harding came on Thao serving errors. Xiong broke open the game with five straight points to take an 8-3 lead. Thao came back with a four point run including the side out to make it 10-9. The problem was Thao only was able to get the side out half the time in game two. Xiong used the drop to start another three point run. Thao had one more run of her own to cut it to 16-13. The Drop again stopped Thao and Xiong didn't give the bird back with six straight points to finish the contest. When I saw the game Xiong had 7 drops for winning points.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
keep in mind this is when I saw the action, not the entire match.
SIDEOUTS:
Xiong 8/11-.727; Thao 5/12-.417
POINT RUNS OF 3+:
Xiong 6, Thao 2
POINTS:
Xiong 35
Winners 16: Drops 7, Smashes 5, Drives 3, Clears 1
Thao Errors 23: hitting 22 (Net 11, Wide 6, Drive 5); serving 1 (deep 1)
Unknown: 3 (when I was trying to get situated, or got caught looking down)
Thao 17
Winners 7: Drives 2, Smashes 2, Soft Drives 1, Clears 1, Drops 1
Khoua Errors 9: hitting 9 (Net 7, Wide 2)

SECOND SINGLES
Harding's Stephanie King led early in game one 6-2 with five straight points helped out by a pair of clears. Goly Yang had her own streak of 7 during a 13-4 run. Yang had three drops in the mix. Two of Yang's points came off King's missed serve. King rallied to 17-15 on a 6-2 run again. Yang used a clear , and then served an ace to inch closer to game one victory. The fact that Yang was able to get six side outs in the first game helped secure the win.

King again led early in game two 5-1 This time it was King that ruled the side out game with five in the seven Yang chances this game. King also used runs to full effect. She had four in this game. Yang did close to 10-7 but King finished the contest with an 11-2 run to knot the contest up one apiece.

By this time Harding had secured the win with four points. Still this was a fiercely contested match. The serve rotations came to 11, the most of any of the three games. The King pattern of leading early didn't hold in this game. Yang led 4-2 with drops for three points. It soon became a game of runs. The next four serving sequences all had runs. The side out game had evaporated. Yang had a run of two to stop the rampant run game. Yang was the first to get a side out after six services. The contest shifted over to a side out game for the next five serves. Yang was able to break free for one point on her 7th serve. The advantage held the rest of the game. Yang ended the game with a smash.

The odd thing in this match was King outpointed Yang 53-51 in the three games. Also King had four more 3+ runs. However Yang trumped King in sideout % and in winners 27-21.

SECOND SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yang 14/26-.538; King 13/28-.464
POINT RUNS OF 3+:
King 8, Yang 4
POINTS:
Yang 51
Winners 27: Drops 9, Clears 5, Smashes 5, Drives 5, Aces 2, Soft Drives 1
King errors 24: Hitting 20 (Wide 9, Net 7, Deep 4); Serving 4 (Wide 3, Short 1)
King 53
Winners 21: Clears 8, Drives 4, Drops 3, Smashes 3, Soft drives 2, Aces 1
Yang errors: 32: Hitting 31 (Net 10, Wide 9, Deep 7, Fans 5) Serves 1 (wide 1)

photos: #1 Mee Xiong moves forward to take a drop shot. #2. Pang Thao looks for a smash attempt. #3 Goly Yang rushes the net. #4. Stephanie King with a back hand. photos by kja

SINGLES
1. Mee Xiong (H) beat Pang Thao 21-9, 21-14
2. Goly Yang (J) beat Stephanie King 21-16, 8-21, 21-16
3. Olamade Fudahunsi (J) beat Crystal Yang 21-16, 21-4
4. Kazoua Yang (H) beat Chia Lor 21-17, 21-15
DOUBLES
1. Kia Thao/Belick Pha (J) beat Mai Ngia Xiong/Mor Xiong 21-16, 22-20
2. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Mai Thao/Sheng Thao 21-15, 22-20
3. Gao Thao/Pa Nyia Thao (H) beat Shoua Vang/Kou Nou Chang 21-13, 21-15

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 2-2 .500
Games: Harding 5-4 .556
Points: Harding 157-147 .516
decided by 10+: Harding 2-1 .667
decided by 3-: 0-0
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 2-1 .667
games: Harding 4-2 .667
points: Harding 121-106 .533
decided by 10+: 0-0
decided by 3-: 1-1

Next up: tomorrow

Monday Results

#1 posting 4.22.2008
badminton news & information

MONDAY RESULTS
In Minneapolis it was Edison sweeping Roosevelt 7-0 and North topping Southwest 5-2. The Polars now have three wins on the year while the Tommies have eight.

In St. Paul it was Humboldt beating Arlington 4-3. It was the Hawks second win on the year. Also I reported on the Harding 6-1 win over Highland Park last night (before the storm). I will get the photos up later today (the storm prevented that action).

In a non conference match Minneapolis South beat Burnsville 4-3. South is undefeated so far this year.

On Friday Como Park beat Humboldt 4-3.

I glanced at the schedule and did not see any scheduled matches today, so the out & abouts will take a day off.

Out & About: St. Paul Harding/St. Paul Highland Park

#1 posting 4.21.2008
badminton news & information

ST. PAUL HARDING knights 6,
ST. PAUL HIGHLAND PARK scots 1

St. Paul Harding hosted Highland Park and beat the Scots 6-1. HP won at first singles in three games, while Harding took the rest in two games. The Knights were able to score on six of every 10 points today. Earlier this year Harding won 5-2. Last time HP won at 3rd doubles. Harding has a rough schedule this week with Johnson on Wednesday, and then a triangular at Burnsville on Thursday with Eden Prairie too.
Today was scheduled as a triangular, but Minneapolis South was at Burnsville and will take on Harding on the 30th of April instead.

FIRST SINGLES
Khoua Xiong beat Mee Xiong in three and was the only HP point on the day. Mee Xiong had more total points in the match and a better side out percentage, but Khoua Xiong was able to rally in games one and two to take the match.

In game one, Harding's Mee Xiong led 7-3 after getting four straight side outs. On Khoua's fifth serve she was able to squeeze out three points. Mee broke a 9 all tie with three straight. The key turning point in game one came on Khoua's 8th serve when she added 8 points to her totals and take a 19-13 lead. Both players were using the full court, and rallies went back and forth. Khoua served wide to give the ball back to Mee. She added two more to her totals to make it 19-16. The rest of the game was a side out game with Khoua ending up on top 21-17.

Game two belonged totally to Mee. Mee trailed 7-6 when she ran off six straight on her 6th serve. That put the lead at 13-7. She finished with an 8-2 run. Mee's side out game shut down any Khoua surge. Khoua was only able to get two points off her serve and only had two winners in that game.

In the last game Mee led off where she left off with the first three points, all on Khoua hitting errors. Khoua got the bird back on a back handed hitting error in the net. She then added four points on her serve. There were seven ties up to 11 all. Khoua broke free after a 5-1 run thanks to the clear shot. Three of the five points were clears, and had 11 clears for the entire match. Mee got the bird back after a wide Khoua serve. Mee Xiong served up four points to go back in front 17-16. Khoua took the lead at 19-17 with an ace in a three point run. Mee matched her with three straight and on the verge at 20-19 after a drop. Khoua Xiong got the 20th point on her own drop shot and then never gave the bird back. She used a drive and then, for the final point, delivered an ace deep.

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Khoua 13/27 .481; Mee 16/27-.593
POINT RUNS OF 3+:
Khoua 7, Mee 9
POINTS:
Khoua 53
Winners 30: Clears 11, Aces 6, Drives 6, Drops 4, Smashes 2, Soft Drives 1
Mee Errors 23: hitting 22 (Net 11, Wide 6, Drive 5); serving 1 (deep 1)
Mee 58
Winners 21: Drops 8, Drives 7, Clears 3, Smashes 1, Aces 1, unknown 1
Khoua Errors 37: hitting 32 (Net 22, Deep 5, Wide 4, Fan 1), serving 5 (wide 3, deep 1, Net 1)

Time: 20:49

photo: #1 Khoua Xiong of Highland Park after a hard drive. #2 Mee Xiong able to react to a quick shot. photos kja

FOURTH SINGLES
After that the 4th singles took the court. Harding's Kazoua Yang won in two over Nhu Richards. One key difference between the two was Yang was able to garner seven three point runs to Richards' one. Also the side out game worked in favor of Yang.
In the first game Richards led 2-0 before Yang got on the board. Richards tied it at 5 and that was the final time it was close. Yang ran off five straight to make it 10-5. Yang had two more long runs in that victory.
In game two Richards led again 2-0 and again at 4-2. Once again Yang was able to squeeze runs off her serve. Yang led 13-7 after her fifth serve. Richards had more staying power in this game with a 5-1 run and being able to close the margin to 15-13. Service errors plagued Richards with three in this game and five for the match. That is what stopped her serve run at 15-13, and it also finished the contest.
You also can see the difference in side out %, and points off errors with the first singles. The number of winners tended to be lower.

Photos: #1 Kazoua Yang uses her body English to get the shot where she wants it. #2. Nhu Richards hits a back hand for HP. photos by kja

FOURTH SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yang 7/15 .467; Richards 5/16 .313
POINT RUNS OF 3+:
Yang 7, Richards 1
POINTS:
Yang 42
Winners 16: Drops 4, Smashes 3, Clears 3, Aces 2, Drives 2
Richards Errors 27: hitting 22 (Net 12, Wide 7, Deep 3); serving 5 (Wide 3, Deep 2)
Richards 24
Winners 6: Soft Drives 2, Clears 2, Drives 1, Smashes 1
Yang Errors 18: hitting 16 (Deep 8, Net 7, Wide 1 ), serving 5 (wide 1, deep 1)

SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Mee Xiong 21-17, 10-21, 22-20
2. Stephanie King (H) beat Micha Everts 21-15, 21-7
3. Crystal Yang (H) beat Mai Yia Moua 21-9, 21-17
4. Kazoua Yang (H) beat Nhu Richards 21-9, 21-16
DOUBLES
1. Mai Ngia Xiong/Mor Xiong (H) beat Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao 21-12, 21-11
2. Chao Xiong/Pa Nhia Vang (H) beat Grace Moran/Alison Cole 21-19, 21-15
3. Alana Yang/Pa Nyia Thao (H) beat Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua 21-12, 21-17

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Harding 3-1 .750
Games: Harding 7-2 .778
Points: Harding 184-126 .594
decided by 10+: Harding 4-0
decided by 3 or less: Highland Park 1-0
DOUBLES
matches: Harding 3-0 1.000
games: Harding 6-0 1.000
points: Harding 126-86 .594
decided by 10+: Harding 1-0
decided by 3: Harding 1-0

Next up: tomorrow

Friday Results

#1 posting 4.20.2008
badminton news & information

FRIDAY RESULTS
I reported on the Johnson 5-2 win over Central on Friday.

Also Friday it was Arlington topping Highland Park 4-3. I had Arlington #4 in my Friday poll with Arlington #10. Arlington is now 2-7 on the year. The Phoenix are 1-3 in 4-3 games this year. HP is 4-3 on the year and 3-1 in 4-3 games.
There was no word on the Como Park vs Humboldt match.

NEXT WEEK
Harding has three days of quality competition with two triangulars sandwiching the rematch with Johnson. On Monday there is a triangular at Harding with Highland Park and Mpls South, the city leader on the west side. On Wednesday is the Johnson match. Thursday there is one more triangular at Burnsville with the Blaze and Eden Prairie.

Next up: Monday

Out & About: Johnson/Central

#2 posting 4.18.2008
badminton news & information

ST. PAUL JOHNSON governors 5,
ST. PAUL CENTRAL minutemen 2

In the last first round match in the St. Paul conference it was Johnson maintaining their undefeated streak at 9-0 with a 5-2 win over host Central. Johnson took three of the singles, and a pair of doubles in the victory. Three matches went the distance and Johnson took two of those. There weren't many matches that were open and shut. At fourth singles Central moved Aranya Thao up from JV first singles. For Johnson, Pang Thao returned to action, but with a bandaged knee and at second singles. She won in three games taking the first game, falling in the second and then taking the third. With Thao moving to second singles that meant that Kia Thao returned to first doubles with partner Shoua Vang after being split up against Eden Prairie. That duo lost in three however to Central's Doua Thao and Da Chang. The Central pair had to win the final two games for the win.
I barely made it to the game on time thanks to the rain with the highways jammed more than normal. On top of that the door to the gym was locked so I had to go around trying to find the open door. Also I had to dodge the Central track team practicing in the hall ways.

FIRST SINGLES
Johnson's Goly Yang won in two games, but my numbers in game one and the final score were off in game one. In game two the numbers agreed. Yang had a 7-2 lead early in the first game after a five point serve. Chang cut it to 10-7 after her 5th serve. Chang used a five point service on her 6th serve to take a 13-12 lead. All five points came via Yang hitting errors. Chang held leads at 14-12, and 16-14. After a Yang soft drive for a side out she added two points to regain the lead at 17-16. Chang got the bird back and then had what appeared to be a three point serve to get to 20-17. However there may have been a do over on point 19 as one of the doubles team tumbled and rolled onto the court. If that was the case then it was 19-17. After that point it was 5-2 for Yang and she walked off the court with a 24-22 win. My numbers had 22-22. If you take away the tumble then it is 22-21 in favor of Yang. The first game lasted 9:29.

In game two Yang rode the momentum and only trailed at 1-0. After that Yang was able to squeeze points on her 3rd through 6th serve. It was 12-8 after her 6th serve. Yang used drop shots for points five times in game two. Yang had another 3 point run at 16-10. Then it was a side out game with 7 straight side outs. Chang breathed new life into her game with three points including an ace at point 17 to make it 19-17. Yang stopped the run with a drive to make it 20-17. Chang came up with a clear in the corner to make it 20-18. On her serve Yang got the final point on a Chang hit that went wide.

Photos: #1. Pang Thao of Johnson with her knee bandaged at 2nd singles. #2. Yer Chang reaches by a back hand. #3. Goly Yang rushes to get a drop shot. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yang 14/23-.609; Chang 11/23-.478
RUNS OF 3+:
Yang 5, Chang 4
POINTS:
Yang 43
Winners 17: Drops 9, Soft Drives 3, Drives 2, Smashes 2, Clears 1
Chang Errors 26: hitting 23 (Wide 10, Net 8, Deep 4, Fan 1), serving 3 (short 1, Deep 1, Wide 1)
Chang 40
Winners 15: Drops 4, Clears 4, Smashes 3, Drives 2, Soft Drives 1, Aces 1
Yang Errors: 23: Hitting 23 (Net 11, Wide 8, Drives 3, Fans 1), Serving 2 (deep 2)
Time: 18:22 minutes

OTHER MATCHES
After that my attention shifted one court to my right with first doubles. It was tied at 1-1 and the first few points of the third game already had been tallied. The Central duo of Thao and Chang led early and maintained their advantage throughout the final frame. The Johnson pair had a three point run to close to 14-12, but they never got closer. Central used drives to finish the match with the final two points after the Johnson closed one final time to 19-17. Six of the last eight Central points came off drives.

After that the match was 2-2. But Central wasn't going to get another victory.

SINGLES
1. Goly Yang (J) beat Yer Chang 24-22, 21-18
2. Pang Thao (J) beat Kari Finseth 21-14, 17-21, 21-16
3. Ka Yang (C) beat Belick Pha 21-12, 21-18
4. Olamade Fudahunsi (J) beat Aranya Thao 21-11, 21-12
DOUBLES
1. Melissa Vang/Nitsan Chang (C) beat Kia Thao/Shoua Vang 20-22, 21-17, 21-17
2. Ma Thao Xiong/Sheng Tha (J) beat Malinda Xiong/Mai See Xiong 18-21, 21-14, 21-15
3. Cha Lor/Hlee Vang (J) beat Mai Sia Yang/Phoua Xiong 21-17, 21-17

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Johnson 3-1 .750
Games: Johnson 7-2 .778
Points: Johnson 176-154 .533
decided by 10+: Johnson 1-0
decided by 3 or less: 1-1
DOUBLES
matches: Johnson 2-1 .667
games: Johnson 5-3 .625
points: Johnson 158-146 .520
decided by 10+: 0-0
decided by 3-: 1-1

Next up: tomorrow morning

Rankings (Finally), Births and Anthems

#1 posting 4.18.2008
badminton news & information

THURSDAY RESULTS
I have been remiss in my updating duties. I think I have the problems under control and the systems set up right now.
In Minneapolis last night (or afternoon) it was Edison over Washburn and South over Roosevelt by the same scores 6-1. I reported on the Henry 5-2 win over North last night.

ODDS & ENDS
Henry Coach Miller's wife is due to give birth today. It will be the first child for the pair.

I failed to mention that on Monday at Eden Prairie before the Johnson match the National Anthem was sung by a few of the EP girls. It was the first time I remember hearing the NA at any badminton match ever. They did an outstanding job and ranks up their with the best I have seen/heard in all my other sports I cover.

RANKINGS
I think I got a handle on this now, but this is the rankings
1. Johnson
2. Harding
3. Eden Prairie
4. Highland Park
5. Central
6. Burnsville
7. South
8. Como Park
9. Edison
10. Arlington
11. Humboldt
12. Henry
13. Southwest
14. North
15. Washburn
16. Roosevelt

Next up: later today with an out & about

Out & About: Henry/North

#1 posting 4.17.2008
badminton news & information

MINNEAPOLIS HENRY patriots 5
MINNEAPOLIS NORTH polars 2
Henry beat neighbor North 5-2 in a Minneapolis conference game on Thursday. The Patriots swept the singles and took 3rd doubles to put together their win. Three of the matches went the distance with Henry taking both singles and North taking the doubles. Henry rallied in second and fourth singles falling in the first game and bouncing back to take the last two. North also rallied at first doubles losing the first game before storming back to take the last two.

SINGLES
Normal first singles Yer Yang for Henry missed the event due to prior commitments. Her Replacement Hnia Yang beat Foua Khang in two games. Yang had 11 smashes in the two games as she took advantage of birds Khang was forced to give her. In game one Khang had the early lead at 2-0, but that was the only lead in that game. Yang had four straight points, and didn't look back. Khang was only able to get two side outs in the first game. On the flip side Yang had seven side outs against Khang. Yang used six drops for points in game one including point 21.

Khang again led in game two at 1-0. After a side out Yang ran off six straight points with three smashes in the mix. Khang did close to 9-7. Yang broke free again with six straight points to make it 18-10. Three smashes were part of that six point equation.

photos: #1. Hnia Yang reaches for a drop. #2 Foua Khang reaches for smash attempt. photos by kja.

1st SINGLES BY THE NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Yang 10/16-.625; Khang 6/17-.353
3+ POINT RUNS:
Yang 7, Khang 1
POINTS:
Yang 42
Winners: 30: Smashes 11, Drops 6, Drives 6, Soft Drives 3, Clears 3, Aces 1
Khang Errors 12: hitting 11 (Net 9, wide 1, fan 1); serving 1 (wide 1)
Khang 23
Winners 6: Aces 2, Smashes 1, Drives 1, soft Drive 1, Clears 1
Yang Errors 17: hitting 15 (wide 8, net 7), serving 2 (wide 2)
Time: 12:50 minutes

FIRST DOUBLES
I was able to watch the third game at first doubles. Phoua Khang and Vang Khang picked up momentum on the third service with four straight points to make it 9-4. Hitting errors combined with the North's duo side out game gave Khang and Khang a 21-13.

SINGLES
1. Hnia Yang (H) beat Foua Khang 21-11, 21-12
2. Choua Pha (H) beat Mee Khang 16-21, 21-7, 21-9
3. Maa Pha (H) beat Pa Kou Pha 21-15, 21-10
4. Mena Vue (H) beat Mai Nhia Yang 20-22, 21-13, 21-11
DOUBLES
1. Phoua Khang/Vang Khang (N) beat Neng Vang/See Thao 16-21, 21-18, 21-14
2. Jaime Lee/Amanda Seline (N) beat Kabao Yang/Nhia Xiong 23-21, 21-11
3. Lakresha Williams/Sheng Xiong (H) beat Xue Vang/See Lee 21-11, 21-18

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Henry 4-0 1.000
Games: Henry 8-2 .800
Points: Henry 204-131 .609
decided by 10+: Henry 5-0
decided by 3 or less: North 1-0
DOUBLES
matches: North 2-1 .667
games: North 4-3 .571
points: North 131-127 .508
decided by 10+: 1-1
decided by 3: North 2-1 .667

Next up: tomorrow morning

Out & About: Highland Park/Central

#1 posting 4.16.2008
badminton news & information

ST. PAUL HIGHLAND PARK scots 4
ST PAUL CENTRAL minutemen 3

Highland Park edged Central 4-3 and it all came down to the last match at 4th singles. HP took the second game by the exact same score as the first in a 21-19 win to beat the visitors. HP took three of the four singles and 2nd doubles to piece together their win. Most contests were over in two sets. The only match that went three games was at second singles with Kari Finseth winning the final set by the narrow margin of 21-19.

FIRST SINGLES
Khoua Xiong beat Yer Chang in two games 21-11 and 21-13.
Xiong used the soft, off speed drive for the first three points of the first game and a potent scoring off her own serve. Chang could not get a side out on any of Xiong's eight serves in game one. Xiong built a lead of 9-3 when Chang had a rally, scoring of two of her serves to cut the margin to 13-8. Xiong finished with an 8-3 run. The soft drive came up for 7 points in the first game.

In game two continued her point gathering on her serve. Chang got her first side out on Xiong's fifth serve. By that time Xiong led 10-5. The favored point in this game was the drop. Xiong also benefited from Chang hitting errors. Most were sailing deep. Xiong pushed her lead out to 19-9. (My scoring indicates game two was 22-12). A missed serve gave the bird back to Chang. She was able to get a few more points. The match ended on a back hand drop shot.

Photos: #1. Khoua Xiong goes airborne for a smash attempt. #2. Yer Chang prepares for a shot. photos by kja

FIRST SINGLES NUMBERS
SIDEOUTS:
Xiong 12/18-.667; Chang 3/19-.158
SERVE RUNS OF 3+:
Xiong 3, Chang
POINTS:
Xiong 42
Winners: 26 Soft Drives 10, Smashes 6, Drops 5, Aces 2, Drives 2, Clears 1
Chang Errors 17: hitting 14 (Deep 7, Net 4, Wide 3); serving 3 (wide 2, deep 1)
Chang 24
Winners 12: Soft Drives 4, Clears 3, Drives 2, Drops 2, Aces 1
Xiong Errors 11: hitting 8 (wide 5, net 3), serving 3 (wide 2, deep 1)
Time: 12:30

SINGLES
1. Khoua Xiong (HP) beat Yer Chang 21-11, 21-13
2. Kari Finseth (C) beat Micha Everts 21-14, 14-21, 21-19
3. Elena Kronmiller (HP) beat Ka Yang 21-14, 21-8
4. Nhu Richards (HP) beat Dawn Vang 21-19, 21-19
DOUBLES
1. Melissa Vang/Nitsan Chang (C) beat Pa Kou Lor/Drew Thao 21-17, 21-8
2. Grace Moran/Alison Cole (HP) beat Elizabeth Yang/Bao Lee 21-15, 21-10
3. Mai Sia Yang/Phoua Xiong (C) beat Seng Lee/Pa Ying Moua 21-16, 21-17

BY THE NUMBERS
SINGLES
Matches: Highland Park 3-1 .750
Games: Highland Park 7-2 .778
Points: Highland Park 180-140 .563
decided by 10+: Highland Park 2-0
decided by 3 or less: Highland Park 2-1
DOUBLES
matches: Central 2-1 .667
games: Central 4-2 .667
points: Central 109-100 .522
decided by 10+: 1-1
decided by 3: 0-0

Next up: tomorrow morning