The reigning back-to-back champions University of the Philippines Lady Maroons put one foot on their title defense as they entered their fourth straight semifinals after pummeling Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 5-0, Sunday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
Poca Alcala once again dominated her match up in the opening singles, taking care of the Lady Tams top-seed Michal Duquilla in two games, 21-12, 21-4. The Maroon newbie played composed throughout the match, which despite the score line had some long, ardous rallies. In the end, Alcala won it after 27 minutes.
Reigning MVP Bea Bernardo then extended UP’s lead to two in a similar two-game sweep of Irish Molina. The FEU rookie gave the fourth-year Maroon a hard time, as the former stood her ground for most part of the match. It was Bernardo’s veteran smarts and experience that eventually showed with a 21-12, 21-6 win.
Alcala and Jessie Francisco then wasted no time to clinch the defending titlists’ ticket to the Final 4 with a 21-10, 21-9 drubbing of Duquilla and Maridel Rivera. The UP duo played mostly on the defense before they attack when needed. The situation caused some problems to the Lady Tams, as the solid Maroons won the match convincingly.
Last year’s individual awardees Bernardo and Lea Inlayo padded on the lead in the second doubles match. UP won the match, 21-12, 21-6, over Molina and Clowie Garcia.
Sophomote Ann Marañon completed the sweep off a 21-17, 21-10 domination of Rivera.
The Lady Maroons will try to be one win away from their third straight Finals berth when they face National University on Wednesday, September 28. On the other hand, the Lady Tamaraws battles University of Santo Tomas on the same day. Both ties are scheduled at 1pm at the same venue.
