Chanelle Lunod delivered to keep Ateneo de Manila University’s record in the UAAP Season 85 women’s badminton tournament intact with a 3-2 decision over University of the Philippines, Saturday at Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
With the tie level at two matches apiece, it was the reigning back-to-back MVP that sealed the win for the Blue Eagles, 21-13, 21-12, in the deciding singles match against Aldreen Concepcion.
“We just wanted to treat this tie like any normal tie we had and like the past few games that we played para hindi kami ma-pressure, so we would be able to play our game,” Lunod shared of the reigning two-time champions’ mindset heading into the game.
UP and Ateneo earlier split the first four matches with the Fighting Maroons getting ahead with rookie Anthea Gonzalez three-set marathon, 16-21, 21-17, 21-9, past Jochelle Alvarez.
Ateneo captain Mika De Guzman put her squad on the board in the second singles match against Jaja Andres, 21-8, 21-7. Lunod and Alvarez then snagged the 2-1 advantage after a strong victory of Lea Inlayo and Susmita Ramos, 21-17, 21-16.
Maroon skipper Andrea Abalos and Gonzalez then forced the decider with a dramatic three-letter over De Guzman and Jellane De Vera, 9-21, 21-16, 21-17.
De La Salle University and National University kept themselves in the mix of the Finals picture after taking down Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas, at 5-0 and 4-1, respectively.
Mia Manguilimotan took charge of the Lady Green Shuttlers’ second win, winning the first singles match, 21-10, 21-12, against the returning Camille Buagas. The sophomore and Jaqueline Pantoja pocketed the clincher in the first doubles match over Ivy Plata and Jam Ching, 21-8, 12-6 (retired).
On the other hand, seniors Jeya Pinlac and Alysa Desacola secured the Lady Bulldogs the victory with a sweep of UST’s Elij Peña and Clara Ignacio, 21-15, 21-17, in the second doubles match.
A pair of crucial ties scheduled on Sunday at 1:00 PM will see the Blue Eagles take on the Lady Bulldogs, while the Fighting Maroons tackle the Lady Green Shuttlers.
On the other hand, the Lady Golden Shuttlers and the Lady Falcons will battle for a breakthrough win.
