Fremd's Wu constructs winning finish; BG wins MSL title
Fremd senior Angela Wu will attend the University of Illinois in the fall, where she'll study civil engineering at the nation's top rated program.
Saturday in the Mid-Suburban League badminton championships at Elk Grove, Wu had all the design elements in place for an extremely successful tournament.
The senior put a cap on four years of excellence on the courts by winning her third MSL title in a 21-14, 21-9 victory at No. 1 singles over Jessica Schwartz of Buffalo Grove.
After the win, Wu credited her stellar season to parental guidance.
"I've had a lot of support this year," said Wu. "My mom and stepdad have come out to watch a lot of matches, and my dad gave me more freedom this year and that was reflected in my training."
Wu's father, Jian Wu, has coached his daughter over the years, and Angela said that he's a great badminton player.
"I still can't beat him," said Wu.
"It's been good this year," added the Illini-bound star. "I haven't felt as much pressure as in the past to win, or to beat my opponents, or to prove something."
In second singles, Binu Kolenchery of Buffalo Grove was victorious to claim her first MSL championship.
Kolenchery rallied to win in 3 sets over Prospect's Kiley Walsh, overcoming a bit of lost focus due to a disputed point in the deciding set to take the crown.
"It's my last year," said Kolenchery, "so it's nice to go out (of conference play) on a winning note."
Walsh, who had defeated Kolenchery earlier in the year in a dual meet, was more disappointed over the loss of her doubles partner, Noreen Caporusso, earlier in the week.
The Walsh-Caporusso duo was undefeated this season but Noreen tore her ACL before the MSL meet.
"Devastating," said Walsh over the loss of her teammate and friend. "I feel so bad for her."
Walsh paired with a Prospect JV teammate and still was able to take fifth in Friday's doubles, and said she couldn't have lost the singles title to a better competitor than Kolenchery.
"You couldn't find a nicer person than Binu," said Walsh. "She's competitive, honest and plays a fair game."
BG took home six more titles in the 10-tier championship system as Julie Jambrone, Katelyn Sommers, Tori Appelt, Mady Berns, Madison Fortman and Kristen McClellan all took home first-place medals to propel the Bison to the overall championship.
Sindhuja Battula of Fremd and Hersey's Rebecca Kowalski were the other winners.
Now the competitors look forward to the state playoffs - and beyond.
"I've always had U of I on my mind," said Wu of her college choice. I feel that it's a lot higher (in reputation) than a lot of other schools.
"As far as the upcoming playoffs, I have a few types of shots that I have to work on but for the most part I'll just continue do what I've been doing."