The Irvine Valley College women’s badminton won its first state title in its first appearance.

The Lasers, representing Southern California, did so by defeating the Northern California representative, Skyline College, 20-1, in the Team Championship Thursday at Skyline in San Bruno.

Irvine Valley’s top player, Lili Zhou, led the way and stayed unbeaten on the year.

The Lasers improved their record to 15-0 overall with the victory. They were 8-0 to take the Orange Empire Conference crown.

This is the second straight year that Skyline, winners of the North Coast Conference, has finished second in the state.

Irvine Valley moved into the State championship event by beating El Camino, 18-3, in the Southern California team final last week at Irvine Valley.

The Lasers are now competing in the State Individual Championships. The event started today and runs through Saturday at Skyline.

Zhou, the No. 1 ranked player in Southern California, is the favorite to win the singles title.

The state team title was the school’s fifth ever. Irvine Valley has also captured two crowns in women’s cross country and one each in men’s soccer and men’s volleyball.

Released by Brent Shaver - Irvine Valley Sports Information Director