The De La Salle University Green Shuttlers recovered from their disappointing loss against archrivals Ateneo de Manila University, as they tackled the University of the East Red Warriors and emerged victorious, 4-1, on September 28 at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
Kicking off the positive swing for the La Salle was Andrew Pineda, though he began a slow pace with several drops against opponent, Arman Manlangit. The Red Warrior was then able to keep up with Pineda and tied the first set at 12 after creating a mini-run. However, Pineda was able to take back the lead and the set, 21-18. In the second set, Manlangit was able to make a 4-0 run at the start, but Pineda hit right back and took it from there, 21-17.
In the second singles, Cayel Pajarillo played impressively against UE’s Benjamin Silva. Although both players were able to make runs of their own, Pajarillo stayed on top and won both sets at 21-17.
Sealing the deal were the Monterubio brothers as they went up against the Angelo Joaquin-David Camacho tandem of UE. The first set was much more intense, as the UE pair gave the brothers a hard time after making a 4-0 run, which tied their score at 20. However, Kenneth Monterubio was able to keep the duo of UE at bay, 22-20. The Monterubio brothers synced up nicely in the next set and claimed victory, 21-14.
Team captain Anton Cayanan together with Jerick Obaob followed through as they beat the Manlangit-Kenneth Cruz tandem in the second doubles, 21-14, 21-10.
In the third singles, rookie Michael Saragena made his UAAP debut against AJ David. The first set saw both players put in solid attacks ending with five deuces, but David was able to come out stronger, 24-26. The tired Saragena was not able to bounce back and gave away the second set, 15-21.
The Taft squad remain at the fourth place in the standings, while UE are the second bottom.
On October 1 at 8am in the morning, the Green Shuttlers (3-3) will battle out against winless Adamson University (0-6), while UE (1-5) will face the sturdy University of the Philippines (5-1).
