Single matches began with Xavier coming out strong and winning the first two of six matches total. Corona won the next three, which led to Xavier’s Maddie Dines winning the last match. At the end of singles competition, Xavier and Corona were tied, 3-3. 

As doubles play began, Corona seemed to dominate.

Corona won the first match with Xavier winning the second.

So it was all on the linne with one more doubles match to go. 

Corona controlled the first set, winning 15-9, but  Xavier rallied back in the second set behind Maddie and Taylor Dines. Xavier had the lead and it came down to the wire. 

Parents, students and coaches were completely invested into this final game. Every point scored by Xavier seemed to make the fans cheer louder. 

It was tied 16 to , 16-16, with Corona to serve. The gym became silent. Corona won on that serve making the final score of that set, 17-16, and gave the Aztecs a 5-4 victory.

"This is a big win," saidCorona head coach, Darren Ridge, said: “We had a tough battle with Perry recently and we knew Xavier was going to be another one of the top teams we’d play this year, so it means a lot.” 

Xavier Assistant Coach Francis Hartojo said he wants his team to work more on their technique.

“We have the athletes we just need to teach them how to play badminton,” Hartojo said. 

Ridge praised his team for fighting even though they were down in that final doubles match. 

It showed to Xavier’s coaches as well. 

“They’re also tough mentally. They just kept playing and kept fighting and they eventually pulled it out,” said Hartojo. 

The 2-2 Gators play the 2-3 Chaparral Firebirds this Thursday.