The National University Lady Bulldogs improved to third place in the standings after their 4-1 victory against the Adamson University Lady Falcons, Saturday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
Mitzi Joy Pantoja had a tricky opening match fending off the feisty resistance of Adamson’s Jhay Anne Macabenta, but eventually coming out on top in three hard-fought sets 21-14, 17-21, 21-17.
In the second singles match, Thea Pomar doubled the Lady Bulldogs’ lead with a 21-15, 21-14 beat down of Mikaela Aquino.
Pomar still had a lot left in the tank as she suited up for the first doubles match immediately after, teaming up with Jiselle Capillo. They had no problems taking care of Adamson reserves Ann Magallanes and Margarita Villacorta, 21-11, 21-6, to clinch the tie.
The Lady Bulldogs’ party was spoiled in the second doubles when veterans Aquino and Clydel Pada combined to get Adamson on the board, 23-25, 21-14, beating Kezziah Cuilao and Jhayvin Dizon.
Even with the tie already won, NU made sure not to give the Lady Falcons any more ground, with Capillo seeing off Pada. 21-16, 21-18.
Lady Bulldog ace Pomar was critical of the match that could have perfected NU’s record for the day.
“Dapat habang tumatagal, tumataas din yung level pero kasi parang andun pa rin yung kaba nila to step up sa game, lahat. Yun lang yung nakikita kong kulang namin para medyo may against naman kami sa ibang teams,” Pomar said, hoping her teammates can step it up in their next games against tougher teams.
“Show your game lang, win or lose I don’t care, we don’t care. Siyempre sino ba naman magagalit if nabigay mo yung best mo diba,” she pointed out.
NU (3-1) will face leaders University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (4-0) Sunday, October 1, starting at 1pm. Meanwhile, Adamson (2-3) will next see action on Thursday afternoon, October 5.
