Only one team is left undefeated – and it is still the defending champions, National University.
The reigning back-to-back UAAP titlists shook off the challenge of formerly fellow unbeaten University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and stamped their class in a 4-1 rout, Wednesday morning at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
The Maroons, who have started the season with two impressive wins against powerhouses Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University, started their upset bid with a victory via newbie JM Bernardo in the first singles match over Alvin Morada, 20-22, 21-17, 21-15.
The second-year Isko overcame a failed attempt to close out the opening game of the first singles to clinch the next two frames. Both players went for every ball, but it was Bernardo who came out with the points at the end of the rallies.
However, the Bulldogs took it from there.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year Keeyan Gabuelo mustered all his might to stop UP senior Miggy Leonardo in two games, 21-16, 21-18.
The fifth-year Maroon started both games in cruise control as he capitalized on his opponent’s errors. Nevertheless, Gabuelo managed to dictate the pace of the latter parts of both frames to get the win.
Alem Palmares and Mike Minuluan then wrested the tie advantage for NU. The Bulldog pair outlasted Vinci Manuel and Wakee Deato in a close 21-19, 21-18 win.
The two pairs fought neck-and-neck and any mistake was costly. The errors from the Maroons in sporadic parts of the match only helped NU gain small leads. With momentum on their side, the Bulldogs seized the opportunity and secured the match.
It was a similar story in the second doubles match before Morada and Ros Pedrosa clinched the tie for the defending champions. The Bustillos-based veteran pair finished another tight 21-18, 22-20 contest against UP skipper Betong Pineda and Jojo Malelang.
Morada, who had lost the opening singles match, more than made up for it as he closed the tie with a swift push shot towards Malelang, which the latter missed.
Pedrosa waived off the mandatory rest and quickly took the court for the final singles match. The former Rookie of the Year then made quick work of Joseph Lopez, 21-13, 21-14.
The two semifinalists look to fortify their standings as they close out their respective qualifying round campaigns on Saturday, September 30, at 9am. The perfect Bulldogs (6-0) will shoot for another automatic Finals berth when they face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (2-4).
On the other hand, the Fighting Maroons (5-1) will attempt to secure the twice-to-beat advantage in the post-season when they take on also-rans University of the East Red Warriors (1-5).
