Last year’s runners-up Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles looked like a team on a mission after sweeping the University of the East Lady Warriors, 5-0, Thursday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
The rout commenced as Queen Eagle, fifth-year Bianca Carlos barely broke a sweat to continue her personal undefeated run in the singles. Aside from two hits, Erycka Labay’s other six points came from Carlos’ errors. Ateneo took the first singlee match at 21-3, 21-5.
Cassie Lim then doubled the advantage for the Blue and White after she dominated Lyra Rosal in two 21-8 frames. The former had to overcome slow starts to eventually pull away in the middle part of both games.
Third-year player Geva De Vera and Carlos eventually closed out the tie as they also pulled out a strong showing in the first doubles match. The seasoned duo had to fend off shaky starts and inherent chemistry of the Rosal sisters Heide and Lyra, to ultimately take the match at 21-13, 21-8.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year Chanelle Lunod and Samantha Ramos followed this up with a straight sets win over Pamela Fernandez and Labay, 21-7, 21-8. Graduating player Trixie Malibiran then completed the sweep after disposing off Heide Rosal, 21-6, 21-8.
Ateneo (1-0) will return to action on Sunday, September 24, as they face arch-rivals De La Salle University Lady Shuttlers at 1pm. On their part, UE (0-1) will battle the National University Lady Bulldogs (1-0) on Saturday, September 23 at 1pm.
