It was an exciting week of Moore League badminton action at Long Beach Poly, as the league’s best singles, doubles, and mixed doubles players were decided in front of large and vocal crowds.
In Monday’s singles competition, it was the top seeds that won out, as Wilson’s Doris Chuang won the girls’ title and Lakewood’s Jay Chea won the boys’ crown.
Chuang, just a sophomore, withstood a strong test from second-seeded Jennie Ouk of Lakewood, winning 21-16, 21-12.
Chuang, just a sophomore, also plays volleyball and was frustrated last year to miss the Moore League finals for a volleyball tournament.
“My focus all year was to get to this tournament and win it,” she said.
To win the boys’ title, the junior Chea had to unseat last year’s champion, Millikan senior Julian Morales. It was a back and forth battle but Chea prevailed in three sets, 21-13, 13-21, 21-15.
“I’ve worked really hard all year, I’m really happy,” said Chea after.
Cabrillo won an undefeated league championship to make it back-to-back league crowns this year, so it was fitting that the Jaguars won third place in boys’ and girls’ singles, with Mykel Mendoza and Kaithlyn Reyes taking home the bronzes.
“It’s been such a great year, we’ve had so much support behind us,” said Mendoza.
Cabrillo’s Aron Camain and Joseph Galima won the boys’ double title over Poly’s Sanowar Ahmen and Austin Sing, and Cabrillo’s Maricar Reyes and Rheanne Bergenholtz of Cabrillo defeated Julim Taing and Kayla Sek of Poly to earn the girls’ double title. Camain and Bergenholtz teamed up to bring home the mixed doubles title for the Jaguars.
