University of the Philippines has long held a dominant presence in UAAP badminton, boasting a league-leading 16 titles before Season 87.
However, the Fighting Maroons had been eagerly pursuing another championship, with the women’s team coming close twice, only to fall just short against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
This season, UP finally ended their championship drought dating back to Season 79, securing their 10th women’s title in program history.
Anthea Gonzalez – a standout who has only suffered two singles losses in her three seasons with UP – led the charge to bring her alma mater a well-deserved championship.
For Gonzalez, this victory was truly a collective achievement.
“Siyempre po, sobrang saya po namin. Kasi, una sa lahat, nagtiwala po kami kay Lord; ‘yun po ‘yung una naming ginawa, nagdasal po kami. And suportahan lang po sa isa’t isa,” shared Gonzalez, the Season 85 Rookie of the Year.
“Wala pong sisihan kung matalo. Laban lang kung laban.”
Gonzalez believes their two previous losses were a source of motivation, fueling the team’s determination to keep improving until they finally claimed the elusive gold.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Tine-take lang po namin siya as a lesson and nothing to lose naman. Basta magawa lang namin ‘yung best namin, sapat na ‘yon. And ginawa rin naming motivation ‘yun para manalo,” added Gonzalez, the former U17 triple national champion.
With a fighter’s spirit and the confidence to succeed, Gonzalez had faith that the team could go all the way this season.
“Tulad nga nung sinabi ko before, hindi rin talaga mawawala ‘yung pressure. Kailangan mo talagang maging confident sa sarili mo, and alam mo dapat sa sarili mo na kaya mo,” she said.
“Simula pa lang po, iba na ‘yung feeling naming lahat. Simula pa lang lumalaban na kami at positive vibes lang.”
That unwavering belief and determination brought UP back to the top. With the title now returned to the Fighting Maroons, Gonzalez, the newly crowned Most Valuable Player, and her teammates are ready to defend it.
“Sobrang grateful po, hindi lang po sa akin, kundi pati sa teammates ko, coaches ko, sa family ko, and kay Lord, syempre,” Gonzalez concluded.
“Same lang next season. Suportahan lang and tiwala lang po kay Lord at sa isa’t isa. At syempre, laban lang kung laban.”
