Prep athletes of the week: St. Paul Central senior Moua goes out a badminton champion

It took six years, but the talent that St. Paul Central coach Brian Reinhardt saw when Moua was in seventh grade paid off big time. The senior won the singles championship at the badminton state tournament last week, defeating St. Paul Johnson junior Khao Nou Lor 16-21, 21-3, 21-18 in the finals.

"I found out about her when she was in seventh grade. I talked to her middle school badminton coach and she mentioned how talented she was," Reinhardt said. "She has been working toward the title ever since. She's spent the last six years fine-tuning shots, improving footwork and getting stronger."

Moua's victory was well-earned. She defeated all four of her primary challengers during the tournament before rallying from a one-set deficit to win the championship match.

Reinhardt said the difference for Moua, who finished third last year, was her mental approach.

"She has just tremendous skill and focus. This year, she was more outgoing and more confident in her abilities," Reinhardt said. "That played a huge role."

The Pioneers clinched the Metro West Conference titles and improved to 11-1 when Cayot, a junior forward, scored the game-winning goal — her fourth of the game — in double overtime of a 9-8 victory over Mahtomedi. She leads the team with 44 goals and 18 assists.

The senior midfielder led the No. 3-ranked Ponies to three victories. Her big game was six-goal, two-assist effort in an 18-10 victory over perennial Wisconsin power Arrowhead. On the week, she had 15 goals, 11 ground balls and 11 draw controls, and forced seven turnovers.

The junior pitcher hurled a pair of shutouts as the Wildcats concluded an undefeated run through the rugged South Suburban Conference. She blanked Burnsville 1-0 on three hits and Class 4A, No. 2 Prior Lake by the same score on five hits. She also pitched 6⅓ innings of relief as the Wildcats rallied for a 10-9 victory over Lakeville North.

The lone senior on the team, Pulkrabek pulled out a three-set victory at No. 1 singles to help the Millers defeat St. Paul Harding 6-1 in the Twin City match. It's the fifth consecutive Twin City title for Washburn, with Pulkrabek a key contributor in each.

The state's No. 1-ranked prep golfer by the Minnesota Golf Association was medalist in all three of his matches last week in impressive fashion. He won at Pioneer Creek, shooting a 5-under-par 67; Edina Country Club, with a 1-under-par 71, and Bearpath, with a 4-under-par 68. He finished the week a combined 10-under-par.

JIM PAULSEN