Badminton finishes on high note at Nationals

The Mount Royal University Cougars badminton team had a strong showing at the Canadian College Athletics Association (CCAA) Nationals, March 4-6th including a bronze medal in women’s singles won by Laura Fong.

The Cougars sent down four student-athletes to the annual national championship, including Mark Brown in men’s singles competition, Ashley Dixon and Kelli Mclarty in women’s doubles and the aforementioned Laura Fong in women’s singles.

While Laura Fong’s finish was the highest for the Cougars at this year’s championship, the other team members didn’t disappoint, as teammates Ashley Dixon and Kelli Mclarty finished in fourth place, narrowly missing out on a medal after dropping a tight decision 24-22, 21-16 to Michelle Simard/Ashley Jang of Kwantlen University – Vancouver B.C.

Meanwhile, Mark Brown was impressive in his fifth place overall finish, defeating Braeden Freeman of Mount Allison – Sackville, New Brunswick 21-17, 15-21, 21-15.

Overall the Cougars came home with a third, fourth and fifth place finish as well as the experience of competing on a national scale.

The team is now done for the 2009-2010 season, but will be looking to continue training in the off-season in anticipation of next year.

Congratulations Cougars!