Ateneo de Manila University opens its title defense in the women’s and men’s divisions as the UAAP Season 87 Badminton Tournament kicks off on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.
The Blue Eagles are set for tough competition as the tournament returns to its historic home after three seasons at the Centro Atletico in Cubao.
The last time the UAAP held its badminton matches at this Manila venue was in Season 81 in 2018.
“When we start a season, we approach it the same way every year – on a clean slate. We don’t overestimate or underestimate any team because we know every team has its own strengths and weaknesses,” said Blue Eagles head coach Kennie Asuncion.
“So, we take it one team tie at a time.”
Ateneo’s women’s squad, aiming for a fifth consecutive title, will be led by three-time MVP and national team standout Mika De Guzman.
The reigning queens will begin their campaign against Adamson University at 1:00 PM.
“UAAP is a big tournament for us since it’s at the collegiate level. This is where we channel all the hard work, sacrifices, and the sweat, blood, and tears we endure in training,” said De Guzman.
“Every year, we strive to give our 100-percent because we know all the teams are coming for the crown. Our preparation is not just a few weeks or months; for us, it’s a year-round commitment,” she went on.
“But of course, it’s not just physical preparation – we also focus on mental training because it’s just as important. Coach Kennie always reminds us to strengthen our minds, as it’s key to maintaining a positive outlook and achieving peak performance,” added the APACS Kazakhstan International Series 2023 women’s singles champion.
“As a team, we’re more than just teammates; we treat each other like family. We support, encourage, and inspire one another both on and off the court. That’s what fuels us to give our best and drives us to win together.”
Meanwhile, last season’s MVP Lyrden Laborte will lead Ateneo’s men’s team, which ended National University’s seven-year reign last year.
The defending champions will face the same NU squad earlier in the day at 8:00 AM.
“The upcoming UAAP tournament will definitely be highly competitive. We’re up against strong teams like last season, but this time we have the added challenge of defending our title,” Laborte said.
“Our preparation is similar to last year’s, but we make sure to do our best in every training session. Even on days when we’re not 100-percent confident in our shots, we focus on what we can control and maintaining a strong mindset.”
The country’s No. 7 men’s singles player added, “We’ve also been working on building stronger teamwork, especially with the new guys, and refining our skills. We’ve spent time analyzing our previous performances and addressing our weaknesses.
“Overall, I believe we’re ready to give our best, put all our hearts into this, and trust God for this One Big Fight in Season 87.”
In other men’s division matches at 8:00 AM, the NU Bulldogs will begin their redemption bid against the De La Salle University Green Shuttlers.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons will face the University of Santo Tomas Golden Shuttlers.
On the women’s side, the Fighting Maroons will begin their quest for a league-leading tenth crown against the DLSU Lady Shuttlers.
The resurgent UST Lady Shuttlers and the NU Lady Bulldogs will renew their budding rivalry.
