Second-Seeded Argonauts’ Badminton Title on the Line

Garden Grove will attempt to defend its Southern Section Division I badminton title today, as the Argonauts face top-seeded Alhambra in the championship match at the Orange County Badminton Club in Orange at 3 p.m.

Second-seeded Garden Grove (16-0), which is trying to win its fourth title and third in the last six years, is coming off an emotional semifinal victory over third-seeded Villa Park (14-1). The Argonauts, who defeated the Spartans for last year’s title, battled back from a 5-1 deficit to win, 10-9, led by the boys’ doubles teams, which swept all four of their matches.

Argonaut coach Prat Mallawong, who lost five of his boys’ starters midway through the season--some quit, others had bad grades--is relying on inexperienced players to carry the team.

In girls’ doubles, Khoalinh Luong and Le Phan, finalists in the section individuals, will provide the strength for Garden Grove. Hong Ton and Nancy Nguyen will play singles.

Alhambra (19-0), the Almont League champion, is trying to win its first title. The Moors advanced to the final with an 11-8 victory over Cerritos. They have some strong individual talent, but will need to control the doubles play to dethrone the Argonauts.

Aaron Huynh was the top-seeded boys’ singles player in the section individuals for Alhambra, but was defeated in the semifinals. Huynh and partner Joanne Yeung lost in the mixed doubles final.