Pat De Leon made a successful return to the league, helping University of the Philippines sweep the University of Santo Tomas, 5-0, on opening day of the team event of the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Badminton Tournament on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Facing her former school and a former teammate, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year marked her comeback with an emphatic 21–11, 21–12 victory over Angel Vitangcol to give the Fighting Maroons a commanding 2-0 lead.
“Sabi ko nga sa coaches kanina, sobrang excited po ako. Kahit ‘yung galaw ko, grabe ‘yung panginginig ko; hindi panginginig na kaba excitement. Kanina parang palagi kong nauunahan ‘yung bola. Sobrang excited ko na, oh my gosh, I’m back in the UAAP,” said the former UST Lady Shuttler.
Her fellow seniors sandwiched her victory, with team captain Susmita Ramos taking the opening singles match against Angelica Racca, 21–11, 21–16. Then Anthea Gonzalez and Kimberly Lao outlasted Marielle Alvarez and Gabrielle Ainza, 21–18, 19–21, 21–16, to clinch the tie for UP.
De Leon’s sister, Krissa, teamed up with Niki Paz to defeat Christine Dorega and Harlene Herbabuena, 21–18, 21–19. Brys Fuggan finally completed the sweep with a 21–15, 23–21 victory over Hanie De Jesus in a battle between last season’s Rookies of the Year.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, reigning champions Ateneo de Manila University leaned on senior Angel Valle to escape Adamson University, 3-2, and secure a winning start to their title defense.
Valle overcame Abby Barcelona’s challenge in the second game to seal the Blue Eagles’ victory, 21–7, 21–16.
“I’m going to reflect po ‘yung past games ko po, especially, fourth year na po ako. I’ve learned a lot po, so much na ‘yung mindset ko po is not to degrade myself. But as an underdog po, parang it is now or never. I have nothing to lose,” said Valle.
The defending champions took a 2-0 lead through victories by Jochelle Alvarez and team captain Althea Ocampo in the first two singles matches. Alvarez needed three games to overcome Roshella Quierez, 21–18, 18–21, 21–13, before Ocampo swept Jiezel Del Rosario.
Adamson, however, fought back in the doubles matches to level the tie. Smash Pilipinas upstart Mary Destiny Untalan teamed up with Jasmine Reformina to defeat her national team partner Andrea Hernandez and Althea Hernandez, 10–21, 21–13, 22–20.
Jennifer Ondol and Rheylyn Pedron then cruised past Daena Castro and Fayina Dolor, 21–11, 21–13, to force a deciding match.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Joining UP and Ateneo at the top of the standings was National University, which also swept De La Salle University, 5-0.
Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany clinched the tie for the Lady Bulldogs in the first doubles match, defeating Alphecca Espe and Venice Salapong, 21–17, 21–17.
Seniors Sab Amora and Karyll Rio had earlier given NU a 2-0 lead. Amora made quick work of Nicole Manrique, 21–9, 21–7, in just 11 minutes, while Rio went the distance to overcome Lady Tuario, 15–21, 21–17, 21–18.
Kirsten Bualat and Lee-Ann Jade De Leon then breezed past Ghiselle Bautista and Erin Vitangcol, 21–12, 21–13, before Gweneth Chiva wrapped up the rout with a 21–7, 21–11 victory over Kim Lagare.
