Since its resurgence in the UAAP men’s badminton scene, National University has become a staple in the postseason.
This year is no different, as the fourpeat-seeking Bulldogs clinched at least another semifinals stint after sweeping last year’s Finals opponents Ateneo de Manila University, 5-0, Saturday morning at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
Bulldogs Alvin Morada and Keeyan Gabuelo had to shake off the challenge of Clarence Filart and Keoni Asuncion in their respective singles matches, for the Ateneans dragged them to deciding games.
However, Morada shared that, “Kahit na umabot ng third set, basta may tiwala pa rin naman yung coaches na kakayanin namin. Manalo, matalo, basta ibigay lang namin yung best namin.”
That confidence and championship composure pushed Morada past Filart in the first singles match at 18-21, 22-20, 21-9. Same goes with Gabuelo who stopped Asuncion at 21-16, 16-21, 21-15.
Mike Minuluan and Christian Cuyno wasted no time in sending NU back to next round. The Bustillos duo wrapped their first doubles match past Sean Chan and Miguel Paña, 21-9, 21-11.
Morada and Alem Palmares then made it four in a row, disposing Patrick Gecosala and Hobie Sinfuego, 21-7, 21-10. Minuluan then completed the sweep, dominanting Carlo Remo at 22-20, 21-12.
The league-leading Bulldogs (4-0) will face the De La Salle University Green Archers (3-1), while the Blue Eagles will battle the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (3-1) in a pair of ties with postseason implications. Both pairings will happen on Sunday, October 1 at 8am.
