Sydni Griffin is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Edge High School for AZPreps365.com

Desert Edge will look to break its four-game losing streak Thursday, in a match against Youngker on the Scorpions’ Senior Night. 

It has been two years since these teams faced each other. In the 2021 season, the Scorpions defeated the Roughriders 8-1. Desert Vista will honor its four seniors at the match and hopes to gain another victory over the Roughriders (2-11). 

“It's one of our biggest matches of the year,” head coach Stephen Kraynick said. “It's a game where I always get emotional, I am certainly looking forward to the seniors leading this team and setting an example that the other girls can build upon for many generations in the future.'

After a tough 9-0 loss to South Mountain Tuesday night, the Scorpions (1-11) will have had only one day to prepare for this game, but that doesn't seem to be a problem as Kraynick said he was examining the matches closely in preparation for Senior Night. 

“Youngker is a heavy-hitting team,” Kraynick said. “Although we've played heavy-hitting teams, we are going to need to practice our blocks and returns, as defense is going to be key for us to gain confidence and play to the best of our abilities.” 

While Kraynick wants to work on defensive skills before the match Thursday, senior Gabriela Gonzalez, a leader on this Desert Edge team, has her own mechanics she wants to work on. 

“I need to work on my shorts,” Gonzalez said. “My short game is currently my weakness, but something I've been working on all season is hitting the ball deeper. I am hoping to accomplish this in my next match, as it will help me be a better player." 

There will be a lot of emotions running through these players on Senior Night. Alexa Carrillo-Cortez. also a senior, said she might play with a little more grit than usual.  

“I play with a lot of passion,”  Carrillo-Cortez said.  “I'm going to come into this game as confident as I can. I'm proud to be a Desert Edge badminton player and I can't wait to show off that pride in front of all my friends and family." 

Leading the team to victory on Thursday would be very special for the team's seniors. 

“As seniors, we need to be aggressive. It's up to us to bring that correct mentality. I'm looking forward to showing off my skills in front of my family,” Gonzalez said. 

The match between Desert Edge and Youngker will begin at 4 p.m. at Desert Edge High School in Goodyear. Kraynick is anticipating a memorable night. 

“Yes, these girls will be graduating from Desert Edge, but it's the memories that are made with this team that will carry on with you for a lifetime," Kraynick said. “I'm hoping our next match can be another one of those memorable nights, not just for our seniors, but as a whole team.”