The National University leaned on the duo of rookie Solomon Padiz, Jr. and graduating senior Keeyan Gabuelo to snare their sixth consecutive UAAP Men’s Badminton title, 3-1, over the Ateneo de Manila University, Saturday morning at the PNP Sports Center Badminton Courts.
In the second game, the Bulldogs failed to finish the game despite three match points. Fortunately, the NU pair then closed out the series with a huge 21-14 win the final game over Keoni Asuncion and Arthur Salvado.
“Lagi silang nakaka-encounter nung ganung situation. Kung kelan malapit na, doon sila nape-pressure,” NU head coach Jaime Llanes told his wards after their second set loss.
Gabuelo and Padiz opened the second doubles match with a 21-17 win. Asuncion and Salvado then snagged the second ultimately at 23-21.
With their spectacular campaign, Gabuelo was named the Most Valuable Player. Padiz took the Rookie of the Year honors.
Llanes was pleased with how their campaign went, as the Bulldogs were sorely tested this season.
“Happy ako sa mga boys ko kasi ginawa nilang mag-step up kahit sobrang dikit ng game,” he expressed.
This is the Bulldogs’ 51st straight win from UAAP Season 77. Moreover, NU hav tied Ateneo for most championships in the league’s men’s badminton tournament with six crowns.
Padiz earlier leveled the tie after stunning Asuncion in just two games, 21-9, 21-14, in the second singles match. Fellow freshmen James Villarante and Julius Villabrille then sent NU to the brink of the championship with a 21-18, 23-21 decision over Geno Cariño and Fides Bagasbas.
Ateneo captain Bagasbas opened the day with an upset of opposing skipper Gabuelo, 21-19, 11-21, 21-18, in the first singles rubber.
