Badminton: Oak Park-River Forest’s Renee Pedigo prepping for stretch drive

Updated: April 24, 2012 8:41PM

Oak Park-River Forest’s Renee Pedigo plans on bringing her badminton racket when she heads to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., this fall.

Pedigo has at least two major meets left in her career, starting with the West Suburban Conference Silver meet at York, at 4:30 p.m. Friday. The meet continues Saturday.

Unless Pedigo qualifies for the state meet, her final tournament could be the Hinsdale South Sectional, which begins May 3. Pedigo is playing No. 2 doubles for Oak Park-River Forest, and might have a tough time advancing — along with senior partner Hanna Cavoto — considering state powers Hinsdale South and Downers Grove North in the same sectional. The Hornets finished runner-up in their own ABCD Invitational on Saturday, and are expected to contend for the WSC Gold title. Downers Grove North is considered a favorite in the WSC Silver.

“It will be bittersweet. We were seniors last year, and both of us have played four years,” Pedigo said, referencing her partner. “I think we are both excited (about the conference meet). I know I would like to play more in college intramurals.”

Pedigo and Cavoto started the season as OPRF’s No. 1 doubles team, but coach Jane Graham flip-flopped her combinations during the season. Seniors Kristin Binder and Laura Lim were the former No. 2s, moved to No. 1.

“It’s our second year together. We’re really good,” Pedigo said. “We both have a little more of a laissez-faire attitude when we play. Neither of us get intense about it. We have more communication, and have to perfect our skills. There is no room for error when you play the game.”

Lim is recovering from a sprained left ankle, and expects to compete at the conference meet. OPRF’s top singles players to begin the season were Ana Spinuzza, a junior guard from the basketball team, and senior Ally Macey.

The Huskies competed in a dual meet at Leyden on Monday, and were set to face Addison Trail in the final home dual meet of the season on Tuesday.

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