In UAAP Season 81, National University achieved its first-ever win against Ateneo de Manila University in women’s badminton.
For the Lady Bulldogs, led by Thea Pomar and Sarah Barredo, it was a pivotal victory that allowed them to secure their first-ever semifinal bonus.
However, after that heartbreaking loss, the Ateneo Blue Eagles began their Cinderella run, inflicting two consecutive losses on their elimination-round tormentors in the subsequent Final Four.
Ateneo rose to the throne again in the following year, despite the absence of former captain Bianca Carlos, who transitioned from player to coach.
Fast forward to Season 87, and Carlos is now in her second season as head coach.
This time, the Lady Bulldogs finally triumphed over the Blue Eagles again while ending the 26-tie winning streak of the defending champions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I think (the win) is because of their high spirits lang. Kumbaga, pumunta kami rito as a challenger. ‘Yun ‘yung lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, na challenger tayo. No pressure on us, we just have to play your game. You just have to give your all,” the Season 76 Rookie MVP shared.
“Si Lord kasi, nilagay Niya tayo sa ganitong position for a reason and for an opportunity and we’re here to either grab it or let it go. And today, talagang hindi nila binitawan,” she added.
“‘Yung opportunity grinab nila ng buong-buo, buong puso, and I think ‘yun lang naman ang nagging lamang natin today ‘eh. ‘Yung puso talaga, hanggang dulo.”
Despite the differing conditions between the two UAAP seasons mentioned, Carlos is optimistic that this time it will be NU’s turn to go all the way.
“Tong mga panalo namin, it’s really just to bring the confidence up sa team namin. Every point counts kasi, every game counts. Lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na kung sino ‘yung kaharap mo, kung sino ‘yung kalaro mo diyan, whether kaya mo or alam mong medyo mahihirapan ka, pusuan mo lang talaga at ilaban mo hanggang dulo,” said the 30th SEA Games bronze medalist.
“I think this is a good start for the girls. Nagsisimula pa lang ‘eh, for us ‘eh. Kahit papunta na tayo sa dulo. ‘Yung confidence nung mga babae, nagsisimula pa lang. Nag-ge-gain sila, umaakyat ‘yung confidence. I think ‘yun ‘yung bibitbitin namin hanggang matapos ‘yung season.”
