Lincoln-Way West’s doubles team of Caitlyn Mix and Amber Sylvester stepped into the IHSA State Badminton Finals with determination.
The meet took place on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Lockport Township High School.
Their opening match placed them against Neuqua Valley’s formidable duo, Luna Han and Nishitha Reddy. Despite the 21‑8, 21‑5 scoreline, Mix and Sylvester fought through every rally, showcasing grit against one of the tournament’s most polished pairs. The Warriors refused to let the moment overwhelm them, using the match as a chance to test their teamwork against elite competition.
In the Consolation Bracket, Mix and Sylvester found their stride and battled point for point against Sandburg’s Jane Chan and Kyla Rodriguez. They pushed the match to the wire before dropping a narrow 21‑17, 21‑18 decision. The closeness of the score reflected their growth and resilience, as they nearly forced a deciding third set.
Though their run ended on day one, the duo’s journey was marked by perseverance, pride, and progress. Collecting nearly 40 points across four sets, they proved Lincoln-Way West belonged on the state stage. Their performance added to the program’s tradition of hard work and set a positive tone for future Warriors chasing state glory.
