Ateneo de Manila University initiated its post-Chanel Lunod era and its quest for a fourth consecutive title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Adamson University at the onset of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Badminton tournament on Saturday at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
Jochelle Alvarez was the standout performer for the Blue Eagles, securing a flawless two-of-two record for the day against the Lady Falcons.
Alvarez gave Ateneo a 2-0 advantage after dominating Thea Bartolazo, 21-7, 21-11, in the second singles match. She then teamed up with reigning MVP Mika De Guzman to claim a 21-10, 21-15 victory over Justine Barasona and Katherine Dulay in the second doubles rubber.
Ateneo head coach Kennie Asuncion-Robles expressed her delight, stating, “Of course, I’m very happy that we managed to win all our matches. Again, our usual mindset is we just concentrate on the game at hand. I’m glad that the girls did well today.”
De Guzman set the tone for the day with a quick 21-5, 21-11 win against Patricia Timosa in the opening singles match.
Missy Cervantes and Maxene Olango sealed the deal for Ateneo with a 21-11, 21-16 victory over Camille Buagas and Graziel Cabriga.
Feeby Ferrer completed the conquest with a 21-13, 21-11 win over Ivy Plata in the last singles contest.
On the other hand, University of the Philippines and National University relied on their current members of the national team pool to secure 4-1 victories over University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University, respectively.
UP’s Susmita Ramos embraced the challenge brought about by the graduation of fellow Smash Pilipinas upstart Lea Inlayo, winning both of her assignments for the day.
The second-year Fighting Maroon put her team on the board with a 21-12, 21-9 victory over Sofia Ignacio before partnering with Anthea Gonzalez to secure the win in the second doubles, prevailing 21-17, 21-17 against Marielle Alvarez and Patricia De Leon.
Team captain Sarah Barredo, who was returning from an ACL injury, secured the opening win for the Lady Bulldogs as she and Lee-Anne De Leon defeated Via Antonio and Mia Manguilimotan, 21-14, 21-12, in the first doubles rubber.
UP and NU are set to face each other in a crucial early battle, while Ateneo takes on a formidable UST team for the lead.
Adamson and DLSU will conclude the three-match bill scheduled for 1:00 PM at the same Cubao venue.
