The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Blue Shuttlers continued their winning streak with a masterful conquest of the National University Lady Bulldogs, 4-1, Saturday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
In the first singles match, Bianca Carlos remained unscathed in singles play for four years after fending off the challenge of Jiselle Capillo, 21-11, 21-12. The fourth-year Ateneo stalwart used her patented drops and occasional hard hits to frustrate her lanky counterpart.
Newbie Samantha Ramos the double the lead for the last year’s runners-up with a 21-11, 21-9, comprehensive win over Mitzi Pantoja. The Lady Blue Shuttler pulled away in the middle portions of both games to turn back Pantoja for good.
The Lady Bulldogs did not go without a fight as Capillo made amends in the first doubles match with Marinel Diansay. Their patient play made it hard for Carlos and Trixie Malibiran to clinch the tie for Ateneo in this match. Instead, NU took one back with a 21-16, 21-18 win.
Nevertheless, sisters Geva and Jana De Vera finished it off in the following doubles match. The siblings showed their chemistry inside the court and fashioned a strong 21-12, 21-15 win. A Geva De Vera smash ended it for the Blue and White.
Rookie Chanelle Lunod closed out the tie with a 16-21, 21-12, 21-17 win over Diansay.
The Lady Blue Shuttlers (3-1) try to extend their winning run when they play against archrivals De La Salle University Lady Green Shuttlers (3-1) tomorrow. The Lady Bulldogs (2-2) hope to keep their semis bid alive when they face winless University of the East Lady Warriors (0-4).
