For the second consecutive season, the Ateneo de Manila University Women’s Badminton Team clinched the silver medal in the UAAP Women’s Badminton Tournament.
The Lady Eagles ended the Season 79 elimination round with a win-loss record of five wins and two losses, entering the playoffs as a low seed. But then, the lady shuttlers from Loyola Heights crushed the stepladder, defeating the NU Lady Bulldogs and disposing the DLSU Lady Shuttlers and their twice-to-beat edge.
While the Katipunan-based squad folded to its Diliman-situated neighbors 1-2 in the Finals series, the Lady Eagles still had a lot to be proud of at the end of their campaign.
“I’m very, very, very proud of myself and the whole team,” quipped Ateneo’s Bianca Carlos. “We became super united from the beginning of the UAAP until the end. Hindi kami nag-iiwanan, talagang hawak-kamay kami all throughout the journey.”
Carlos believed that advancing to the finals for the fourth time in her career was already something to be happy about. The fact that they also won a tie against the Lady Maroons was deemed an achievement in itself as they were to halt the 25 straight ties UP had accomplished.
“I’m very happy for that and sobrang blessed kami that there are a lot of supporters and those family members na talagang nag-cheer, nag-guide sa amin all throughout our journey,” said the Asuncion Badminton Center product.
“I’m very, very happy to win kahit silver since this is also a special reward.”
Things weren’t straightforward for Ateneo this season. Carlos felt that the Lady Eagles had a “shaky” first day and that they showed a little fear.
“Pero buong season up to this day pinakita namin sa lahat ng tao that we were strong, we were brave and fierce inside the court, ” the UAAP Season 76 Rookie of the Year and MVP shared.
“I think this team is the strongest of them all kahit hindi nanalo ng championship. Individually, alam kong we’re strong. Strong talaga yung buong team.”
Two players who stepped up for the Blue and While this Season 79 were Samantha Ramos and Chanelle Lunod. The Queen Eagle also praised the performances of the two and is looking forward to their contributions next season.
Sophomore Samantha Ramos was pivotal during the Lady Eagles’ campaign
“Lalo ngayon, Chanelle and Samantha played really well this season. I think for the next year they’re more prepared. They will be stronger. Yun yung sobrang okay for the team,” Carlos added.
Next season, though, will be Carlos and Trixie Malibiran’s final playing year in the UAAP. The St. Paul College of Pasig alumna promised that both of them will train harder for their last hurrah in order to get stronger.
“Talagang kailangan tapang lang lagi. Yun yung key in winning. You always have to be strong and super matapang. Super fierce talaga. I think yun yung magiging susi namin ni Trixie. Side by side mag-lead kami ng team kasi kami na yung veterans. We’ll lead the team and kailangan maging united kami.”
