The Pasadena City College women’s badminton team is building momentum as the season progresses, securing two hard-fought victories in Northern California to extend their winning streak to three games and improve their overall record to 3-1. The Lancers demonstrated resilience and strategic play against challenging opponents, showcasing a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent.
Yoon Noe in action for the Lancers badminton team (photo by Richard Quinton).
On Friday, at Fresno City College, the Lancers narrowly defeated the Rams, 12-9, in a contest that highlighted the team’s depth and determination. A pivotal performance came from the doubles pairing of Yoon Noe and Tiffany Nguyen, who secured four crucial points with a thrilling victory in the #1 doubles match. They overcame a first-game setback, ultimately prevailing over Fresno City’s Alisa Pasricha and Ashley Garcia with a score of 16-21, 21-14, 21-17. The #3 doubles team of Linh Tran and Sau-Lan Yang also contributed significantly, winning their match decisively with scores of 21-6 and 21-10.
The singles matches also proved to be a source of strength for Pasadena City College. Kharista Kristi, competing in the #3 singles position, battled through a marathon match against FCC’s Garcia, ultimately winning 21-17, 20-22, 21-18. Thuw Tran (#5 singles) and Linh Tran (#6 singles) each added two wins to the Lancers’ tally, demonstrating the team’s ability to perform consistently across all positions.
The previous day, Thursday, the Lancers faced a formidable opponent in De Anza College, the defending 3C2A state champions, in Cupertino. Despite De Anza being without two of its key players, Pasadena City College secured an 11-10 victory, capitalizing on opportunities and showcasing their adaptability. The Lancers found success in the singles lineup, particularly at the #5 and #6 positions, where Thuw Tran and Linh Tran each secured two wins. Kristi also earned a win against De Anza’s Enya Liu, with scores of 21-10 and 21-11.
In doubles play against De Anza, the duo of Nguyen and Thuw Tran proved to be a force, winning two matches and contributing four team points. The #1 doubles team of Noe and Kristi faced a tough challenge, splitting their matches but ultimately rallying to win against Liu and Marissa Valerio with a score of 14-21, 21-13, 23-21. This resilience underscored the Lancers’ ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing game dynamics.
Head Coach Jen Ho has fostered a team environment that emphasizes both individual skill development and collective strategy. The Lancers’ recent successes are a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the coaching staff’s ability to prepare them for competitive matches. The team’s ability to secure victories against strong opponents, even when facing adversity, demonstrates their potential for continued success throughout the season.
Pasadena City College will return to its home court to host De Anza College in a non-conference match on Wednesday, April 1, at 12 noon at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium. This rematch will provide an opportunity for the Lancers to build on their recent momentum and further refine their strategies against a familiar opponent. Fans are encouraged to attend and support the team as they continue their pursuit of a conference championship.
The Lancers’ performance this season highlights the growing strength of the Pasadena City College badminton program. With a combination of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the 3C2A competition. The upcoming match against De Anza will be a key test as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
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