Chandler advances to badminton final

November 4, 2004

Senior Elyse Betcher slipped past Jessica Swanson, 11-1, 6-11, 11-9, to help Chandler defeat Horizon 5-2 in the 5A badminton state semifinals on Wednesday afternoon at Dobson High School.

Chandler will face Phoenix Xavier at 5:30 p.m. today in the championship game, also at Dobson. After splitting two contests during the season, doubles partners Sasha Wilson and Kendra Bracamontes of Chandler defeated Horizon’s Jessica Swanson and Torrie Frazier.

"We had to not let Horizon play with our head," coach Lois Emshoff said. "We had to come out and play our game, and we did." Horizon’s Bri Chapin defeated Rosa Moreno in consecutive sets, 11-0, 11-1, and teammate Ali Greenbaum defeated Athena Pena, 11-5, 11-0. Xavier’s Lisa Conchos slipped past Emily Yen in three games, 11-2, 9-11, 11-7, to help the Gators shut out Phoenix Central, 5-0.

4A

Chaparral’s Alea Newman defeated Phoenix Shadow Mountain’s Leeza Henderson and teammate Allison Boyce defeated Stephanie Hynes as the Firebirds shut out the Matadors 6-0 at Phoenix Sunnyslope. Chaparral, the defending 4A champion, will play Sunnyslope at 6:30 today in the championship game. Sunnyslope easily slipped past Phoenix Greenway 5-1 in the other semifinal.