The Ateneo de Manila University rise to the top of the standings continued, as they overcame the Adamson University’s early challenge, 4-1, Friday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
Steady veteran Clydel Pada stunned sophomore Chanelle Lunod in straight sets in the opening match to give the Lady Falcons a surprise lead, 21-16, 21-19.
Lady Eagle ace Bianca Carlos made sure to even the score in the second singles with a hard-nosed 21-7, 21-9 takedown of fellow veteran Mikaela Aquino, not once allowing her to reach double figures in points.
Ateneo were again relentless as they sought the advantage in doubles, with the pair of Geva De Vera and Trixie Malibiran proving to be too much for Adamson’s Alyssa San Pedro and Jhay Anne Macabenta. They prevailed in straight sets 21-8, 21-12.
The senior players of Adamson, Pada and captain Aquino tried to fight back but could do little against the combined might of Carlos and Cassie Lim in the second doubles match. Ateneo clinched the tie 21-12, 21-17.
With victory already decided, Ateneo gave rookie Aly Roxas the honor of closing out the day in the last singles match. Macabenta tested Roxas at first but eventually relented in straight sets to hand Roxas her first UAAP win 21-18, 21-7.
Despite the early scare, Ateneo proved that staying calm under pressure works.
“Before we even think of the whole team tie, I believe na it’s really just one game at a time and then it’ll come,” Lim shared.
Looking ahead to their match-up against defending champions University of the Philippines, Lim also shared that they will treat the encounter just like any other match. “We entered this tournament, ready, prepared,” she added.
The Lady Eagles (3-0) will face a difficult test against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (3-0) Saturday, September 30, starting at 1pm; while the Lady Falcons (2-2) will face the National University Lady Bulldogs (2-1).
