Joshua Cuarte delivered in the clutch for De La Salle University, defeating the University of the Philippines, 3–2, on the penultimate day of the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Badminton Team Event eliminations on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The victory marked the Green Shuttlers’ first win over the Fighting Maroons since Season 82 in 2019, coming at a crucial time as they boost their chances of reaching the Final Four for a second consecutive season.
Cuarte averted a collapse in the opening game before taking control in the second to turn back Josh Dupet, 21–19, 21–16, and secure DLSU’s second win of the tie.
The result also left both squads with identical 2–2 win-loss records heading into the final day of the eliminations.
“I feel proud lang siguro sa team ko at sa sarili ko. Marami kaming pinagdaanan; start ng season, maraming nagkasakit, maraming umuwi sa province for personal reasons. And marami ring nag-step up; hindi lang sila naka-depende sa isang player,” said the senior standout.
“Happy lang din kasi lahat ng tapatan namin against UP ay muntik na kaming manalo. Ngayon, finally na-overcome na namin yon,” Cuarte shared.
The Green Shuttlers drew first blood through Lovic Javier, who defeated MJ Amerodin, 21–19, 21–10, in the singles match. Rey Nier Dalimo-Os and Aj Lorenz Jurada then followed up with a come-from-behind 18–21, 21–19, 21–17 victory over Kian Cruz and Joshua Martinez.
Shan Clar kept the Fighting Maroons in contention with a thrilling 21–16, 18–21, 21–15 decision over Gift Linaban.
Arjay Lazareto and Ryan Mendoza then leveled the tie with a 21–9, 21–14 rout of Karl Contreras and Zaki Layno, setting the stage for Cuarte’s decisive performance.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, National University extended its winning streak to four matches, handing erstwhile unbeaten Ateneo de Manila University a 5–0 defeat.
After absorbing their first loss the other day, John Vincent Lanuza and MJ Perez bounced back by overcoming Wijel Albo and Lyrden Laborte, 21–18, 21–17, to clinch the team victory for the Bulldogs.
Ivan Dosano returned to the court with a 19–21, 21–11, 21–19 escape over Christopher Anglo before Clarence Villaflor made it 2–0 with a composed 21–14, 21–17 win over Zeth Quiambao.
With the tie already secured, John Benedict Gam and Jacinth Paul Ruedas added to NU’s advantage with a 21–14, 21–14 victory over Rolan De Guzman and Allen Penute.
Lanz Zafra then completed the sweep in a battle of team captains, defeating Lance Vargas, 21–16, 21–18.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
On the other hand, the University of Santo Tomas kept its Final Four hopes alive by notching its first win of the season, a 4–1 triumph over Adamson University.
John Vincent Espinoza and Manuel Fulmentera secured their second consecutive victory, giving the Golden Shuttlers an early boost with a 21–13, 22–20 win over Carl Cantalejo and Kyrik Roldan in the second doubles match.
UST’s Aaron Bedaña bounced back from his defeat the other day with a commanding 21–12, 21–6 victory over Steveric Muring. However, Adamson captain John Vincent Saturinas pulled one back for the Falcons with a dominant 21–6, 21–3 win over Clark Brillantes.
That proved to be Adamson’s only victory, as the undefeated pair of Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor powered past Nathaniel Acedillo and Eur Cabanducos to restore UST’s advantage. Ivan Tuazon then completed the Golden Shuttlers’ rout with a 21–11, 21–19 victory over Justine Albalate.
