Ironwood junior Sophia Tijore was very fast and businesslike in winning the Division II singles badminton title Oct. 25 by a 21-3, 21-7 score.

Then she celebrated atop the podium with flowers and balloons.

She’s the only returning player from last year’s Division II state champions, though the Eagles are back in contention.

“It was so special, knowing that all of the seniors from last year were gone. But a lot of them were here to cheer me on,” Tijore said.

Last year, she finished second in the doubles tournament with Mariyah Peru-Ray, losing to the team of her older sister, Sasha, and Alyssa Ridgely.

The semifinal against Chandler Arizona College Prep’s Suri Bai was tougher, with Tijore winning 21-15, 21-19.

“It was such a surreal moment to have finally won, especially knowing the g

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