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A perfect 10 as Buffalo Grove sweeps again

The championship courts at Saturday's Mid-Suburban League badminton meet were a sea of orange and blue.

Buffalo Grove, in a dominant performance, won all 10 singles flights of the tournament showdown at Elk Grove to claim the MSL title. The Bison also swept the 5 doubles matches Friday.

Senior Jessie Schwartz led the way for Buffalo Grove, winning 21-10, 21-9 against Jessica Hirsh of Prospect at No. 1 singles.

"This is awesome," said Schwartz. "We've been working very hard to get to this day."

The athletic BG senior has an uncanny ability to make shots that seem almost un-makeable, as she did Saturday.

"In my mind I have to get to every bird no matter where it is on the court," said Schwartz. "You never know what's going to happen when it gets over the net."

BG's Kirsten McClellan won at No. 2 over the Knights' Stephanie Venturelli 21-11, 21-17.

"What an amazing day," said McClellan. "It's a great accomplishment and it's really exciting. We have so much support - our team is like a family."

Third singles was won by Tori Appelt of the Bison, while teammates Julie Jambrone and Katelyn Sommers triumphed at 4 and 5.

Kelly Peterson took the No. 6 crown, Alison MacDonald was the titleist at No. 7, while the closest championship match of the day came at No. 8 singles.

Prospect junior Jazzmine Klopack took BG's Stephanie Mayer to the brink before Mayer won 21-14, 15-21, 21-19.

"It was stressful," said Klopack. "There was a lot of pressure with everyone watching, but there was also great sportsmanship. I love playing against someone like Stephanie.

"I was happy with this (the second-place finish)," added Klopack. "It was my first year on varsity, I learned a lot, and next year I hope to do even better."

Buffalo Grove completed the sweep with wins by Katie Jarosz at 9 and Kristin McRaith at 10.

"I didn't think something like this was possible with the caliber of talent in our conference," said Bison coach Chris Van Grondelle. "I just know that our kids worked their tails off and decided that they wanted to go out and be badminton players.

"They've put in the time, not only during the season but also in the off-season with training and conditioning. Now it's all come to fruition."

Schwartz added that she knew from day one of practice that this could be a special season for the Bison.

"I had a feeling," said Schwartz, "and once we got out there and started facing top competition, we started to put it all together.

"We began to realize just how good we could be."

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