‘Overall teamwork’ secret to SBC’s success

Shirley’s Badminton Club team captain Andreau Galvez, left, and men’s A partner Lance Gallardo in action during the IT&E Badminton Team Tournament last July 31 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Shirley’s Badminton Club ruled the roost in the recently concluded IT&E Badminton Team Tournament and team captain Andreau Galvez is the first to admit that he didn’t expect his team to win the competition after also taking the diadem in the season-opening TanHoldings Team Tournament.

“I didn’t think we would win again, although we are happy we did. I had players who do practice regularly and we have had a few practice sessions with just our team in preparation for the tournament. There really isn’t any secret, rather having the respect and full support from one another as a team. Although it was a two-day tournament, it felt as if we had been a team/family for a while. The comfort, respect, and overall teamwork is what gave us the edge to win,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Individually, the member of the CNMI national badminton team in the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa gave kudos to his team’s women’s doubles C players, Hiroko Tajima and Kazuko Sondheim.

“I want to recognize the two of them for playing exceptionally well. They have the chemistry in their games which allowed them to perform well.”

Galvez also acknowledged the contributions of Sefric Veloria in the men’s C and mixed C division. “This was his first tournament and he played really well showcasing his power smashes.”

He also recognized the play of his men’s A doubles partner, Lance Gallardo. “He brought forth his best game even against some of the national players, displaying powerful smashes and tight net drops that helped remedy our performance.”

The SBC captain said the rest of the team—Patrick Fieldad, Hajin Oh, Alvin Alvarez, Sung Chul Kim, Ian Lubao, Angie Ito, Miles Guerrero, Keiko Ojima, and Gigi Zapanta—also had key contributions that led them to victory.

“In the end everyone else in the team played their best and team support played a key role in their motivation to play their best which helped our team’s chances of winning the tournament.”

As a recap, Shirley’s Badminton Club collected 50 points to prevail over Golden Racquets Badminton Club (39) Taga Badminton Club (39), United Badminton Club (27), and Community Badminton Club (25). Teams received 3 points for a match won in two games and 2 points for a three-game victory.

Head-to-head results saw Shirley’s defeat UBC, 14-14, and CBC, 13-5, in Day 1 of the tournament last July 30 and then outclassed Taga Badminton Club, 14-4, in Day 2 last July 31. Golden Racquets was the only challenge that Galvez and company didn’t hurdle as both teams settled for a 9-9 draw in Day 2.