The dominance is now complete.
The National University Bulldogs waylaid the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in just six games to carve their 27th straight tie win going back to Season 77, and clinch their third consecutive UAAP title, Saturday morning at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year Keeyan Gabuelo opened the rout for the Bulldogs in the first singles match with a 21-18, 21-17 sweep of Carlo Remo. The Ateneo junior tried to keep in step with Gabuelo in some strides of the match, but it was the determination of NU sophomore that prevailed in the end.
Eventual Most Valuable Player Ros Pedrosa then put the champions on the cusp of the title with a dominant win over consequent Rookie of the Year awardee Keoni Asuncion, 21-13, 21-10. The NU senior fired from all fronts to deny the rookie any chance in the match. It was a tight start in both games, but Pedrosa eventually pulled away to clinch the win.
In the lone doubles match, Alem Palmares and Mike Minuluan shook off the challenge of the strong Ateneo pair of Hanz Bernardo and Jan Mangubat. In the first game, it was all NU, as the Ateneans had a hard time returning the former’s short serves. The Bulldogs slowly inched closer to game point and never looked back to get it at 21-17.
It was a tight affair in the second game, before errors from Ateneo sent the Bulldogs to just three points shy from the title. However, Bernardo and Mangubat did not give up the gold easily, as they threatened to force deuce at 19-20. Nonetheless, at the very next instance, Minuluan laid down the kill to clinch NU’s third straight UAAP crown.
Head coach Jaime Llanes was proud that his players had delivered when it mattered. “Pinapili ko sila: yung eager (kayong tapusin) o extend pa natin to?,” he shared.
“Mas kuntento ako sa nilaro nila ngayon, kasi hindi sila nagbigay, not an inch na nagbigay sila talaga ng chance sa kalaban. Gusto na nilang tapusin eh, wala ng susunod na araw.” he continued.
Skipper Alvin Morada shared the same sentiment as his mentor.
“Siyempre, masarap po kasi three-peat kami. Yung iba masarap po kasi champion pero iba po pag three-peat talaga eh. NU, first time pa lang mag-three peat.”
