Two squads continued to prove that they are in a league of their own.
The National University Bulldogs and the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons proved last week that they were at a league of their own as both teams were able to take their respective three-peats in UAAP Badminton action.
A king also made his return to the hardcourt, the longest winning streak in the UAAP was also extended, while two teams were able to advance to the finals over at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Here are the Top Five stories from the week that was in the UAAP.
Bulldogs reign supreme
October 15, 2016 – Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall, Manila City
Another year, another dominant season.
The shuttlers from Jhocson Street did not let-up in the final series, blasting the Ateneo Blue Eagles in two ties – both in impressive sweeps, to secure their third straight UAAP crown.
“Pinapili ko sila: yung eager (kayong tapusin) o extend pa natin to?”
That was the question raised by first year NU head coach Jaime Llanes prior to Game Two last Saturday. And the boys responded.
Keeyan Gabuelo, Ros Pedrosa, and the duo of Alem Palmares and Mike Minuluan did not let up as they did not drop a single set. Minuluan was the one who laid down the championship-clinching kill.
Third year Nationalian Ros Pedrosa took home the MVP crown, an unexpected honor according to him.
“Siguro, bonus na lang yung pagiging MVP, ang goal ko talaga is maging part ng champion team and ito, natupad yung pangarap ko. Bonus na lang tong MVP kaya sobrang tuwa ko,” NU’s lean but mean machine said.
Lady Maroons completes three-peat
October 15, 2016 – Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall, Manila City
Unlike the Bulldogs, the Lady Maroons had a tougher route to their three-peat.
After seeing their 25 tie winning streak fall, UP had to battle back in Game Two to extend the series to a winner-take-all Game Three.
Saturday afternoon, they did not let their effort go to waste.
Ateneo chieftain Bianca Carlos was able to keep her undefeated singles games UAAP run unblemished after a sweep of UAAP Season 78 MVP Bea Bernardo. But that was the only Ateneo victory allowed by the Lady Maroons.
Gelita Castilo was able to avenge her Game One loss to Samantha Ramos 21-13, 24-22. The duo of Poca Alcala and Jessie Francisco then waylaid Ramos and Trixie Malibiran in two sets as well.
With their backs against the wall, Carlos and Geva de Vera were able to take the first set against Lea Inlayo and Castilo. But Inlayo, a UP sophomore, was able to take control of the match afterwards, thwarting Ateneo’s comeback attempt 21-12, 21-13.
With Inlayo’s soaring dive for the kill, the packed UP side of the gallery erupted as they celebrated a third-straight crown for State U.
“As long as you believe in each other, yun na yung pinaka-foundation nung team,” tournament MVP Poca Alcala shared. “Kahit gaano ka-talented yung team, as long as may respect kayo sa isa’t isa and you believe in each other, you can do anything.”
The King Archer returns
October 15, 2016 – Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
After missing the De La Salle University Green Archers’ last two games, Jeron Teng made a triumphant return last Saturday. And he did not miss a beat.
In the first 10 minutes of La Salle’s game against UP, the King Archer powered La Salle’s early surge scoring nine points in the frame. He finished the game with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.
“I never felt better this season, since the start there was really a struggle. Ngayon, parang dito ko mailalabas yung laro ko,” he said.
And for coach Aldin Ayo, it’s a welcome sight to have a healthy line-up at his disposal.
“Maganda. Kasi they’re playing as a team right now,” Ayo said. “Kung ano yung binabat sa amin, may pang counter na kami.”
UAAP, be warned.
Sweeping Paddlers
October 19, 2016 – Blue Eagle Gym, Quezon City
The post-Yan Lariba era of the DLSU Lady Green Paddlers starts off on the right foot.
Skipper Jamaica Sy and her team have swept the elimination round and gain an automatic berth to the finals. Other members of the team include Donna Gamilia, Kimberly Lumenda, Ina Co, Caressha Bernaldez, Emy Dael, and rookie Chantal Alberto.
On the other hand, the UST Tiger Paddlers also gain an automatic berth to the finals after a 14-0 slate in the elimination round. The paddlers from Espana are looking to one up their silver finish from a season ago. The team is composed of Gil Ablanque, Alberto Bazar, Norielle Pantoja, Rian Maldia, Paul Que, Shen Tunay, and rookie Ellary Mendoza and Nico Nayre.
Both Finals series are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 19 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
41 consecutive wins and still counting
October 15, 2016 – Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
NU’s big three of Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda, and Jack Animam powered their team past last season’s runners-up Ateneo Lady Eagles. And it was not close.
“The big three played out good again,” NU head coach Patrick Aquino said about the three. The troika combined for 51 of NU’s 80 points.
After leading by six points to end the opening frame, the Lady Bulldogs went on a blitz, torching the Lady Eagles in the second frame. On the defensive end, they shackled their opponents, allowing just four points for a huge 49-21 lead. The game ended with a final score of 80-56 to extend the longest active winning streak in the UAAP.
With five games left on their slate, a third straight regular season is slowly becoming a possibility. But for Aquino, he is still taking it a game and a moment at a time.
“I always say we take it one game at a time. Hopefully and I wish we could do it straight again, but at the moment I’ll take it one game at a time and at the moment we’ll be getting ready for Adamson,” he said.
