Tyler Shelt is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunrise Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com.

The Sunrise Mountain badminton team is on to the next round of team playoffs after beating North Canyon 6-0. 

In playoff badminton, the first team to win five matches wins. In this case, only five were necessary for the Mustangs to reach the victory, while six were played in case of a loss in another match simultaneously going on. 

"Easy answer," Sunrise Mountain coach Michele Carter said when asked to grade her team's season. "Definitely an A+." 

The Mustangs are now past the individual tournament and on to the team state tournament. Their first opponent was, of course, North Canyon. North Canyon's season comes to a close after finishing the regular season 9-5. A solid season for Michael Bernardino's Rattlers. 

"We have worked hard all season," Hattie Hearnen said. "[We] got to put it out on the court."

Every match on the night ended in two sets, not a single one had to go to a third round. The Mustangs put on a fine performance in their first playoff match. 

"I am proud that we fought hard," Kylie Milner said. "[And that we] left everything on the court." 

After a performance like this, the momentum can carry into the next match. Sunrise Mountain will most likely face Horizon in their next playoff match on Oct. 26. Horizon was their only loss in the regular season. 

Their match took place on Sep. 21 where the Mustangs fell to the Huskies 5-4. It was one of the few close matches Sunrise Mountain played in their whole season. The only other match that came down to the final match was against the Ironwood Eagles, where the Mustangs managed a 5-4 win. 

If they play Horizon again, there is a belief that they can improve and beat the Huskies to advance. The Huskies have been beaten three times during the regular season. One of those losses was to Ironwood. 

Horizon also beat their first round opponent in Cactus High School, 6-0. 

Playoff badminton has a much different atmosphere and feel than a typical match during the season. Home-court advantage is very important. There are more fans and family in the stands since the matches are held at a later time than usual. The stakes are even higher. 

The Mustangs will look to improve from last year and win their second straight playoff match. Last season, they lost to the eventual State Champion in Ironwood, who they defeated this season. 

They'll have a shot to do so Oct. 26 against a team soon to be announced. If they win said match, they'll move on to the semifinals and then the championship if they're able to win the preceding matches.