Badminton: Stevenson powers to sectional victory

Stevenson's defending state champion badminton team cruised to its own sectional championship on Thursday night, sweeping the top spots in both singles and doubles.

Patriots sophomore Esther Shi defeated freshman teammate Shibani Ram 21-12, 21-13 for the title. The doubles championship went to the Stevenson duo of freshman Emily Hu and sophomore Jenny Yang, who beat freshman teammates Jyotsna Harikrishna and Benna Li 21-18, 21-13.

Stevenson's 18 points were comfortably ahead of runner-up Oak Park (10). Addison Trail (8) was third and Warren (5.5) was fourth among the six schools.

Eastern Illinois University in downstate Charleston will host the state tournament next Friday and Saturday.