University of the Philippines completed a preliminary round sweep, securing the top ranking in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Badminton Tournament Final Four with a 4-1 romp of titleholder Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.
This win marked UP’s first triumph against their cross-street rivals since the same stage in Season 81 (2018), with the unbeaten duo of Susmita Ramos and Dianne Libaton sealing the victory for the Fighting Maroons.
Ramos and Libaton fended off a late surge from Althea Ocampo and Missy Cervantes, winning 21-15, 22-20 in 45 minutes in the first doubles match.
“Ang sabi lang sa‘min ng coaches namin is ‘yung laro namin, ilaro lang namin. Siyempre doubles po kami, ‘yung tiwala po namin sa sarili at sa partner namin, ‘yun ‘yung dapat hindi mawawala every game,” Libaton said.
The rookie recently participated in the BWF World Junior Championships prior to the season.
“Gagawin po namin ‘yung lahat para maka-abot kami sa Final,” she added.
Sabi nga ng coaches, nothing to lose and everything to gain. ‘Yung preparation naman namin, alam naman naming magiging worth it.”
Third-year standouts Ramos and Althea Gonzalez built a 2-0 cushion for the Fighting Maroons.
Ramos dominated Julienne Pajarillo, 21-5, 21-5, while Gonzalez outmuscled Angel Valle, 21-8, 21-8.
Kimberly Lao and Gonzalez then extended UP’s lead to 4-0 with a 21-15, 21-15 win over Anthea Rio Fuentespina and Pajarillo.
Ateneo’s Maxene Olango salvaged a point for her team with a 21-17, 21-12 victory over Micah Ibong.
Reigning MVP Mika De Guzman was out for Ateneo for the second straight matchday.
UP will face University of Santo Tomas – which defeated De La Salle University 4-1 – in a one-off semifinal tie on Tuesday at 1:00 PM. in the same venue.
The Final is on Wednesday.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Patricia De Leon led the Golden Shuttlers to their second consecutive semifinal appearance, winning both of her matches.
The second-year standout survived Ghiselle Bautista, 15-21, 21-18, 21-16, in the first singles match, then teamed up with Mariell Alvarez to conquer Mia Manguilimotan and Viana Antonio, 21-17, 21-17.
Reshane Nicor outlasted Lady Tuario, setting up the clincher for De Leon and Alvarez with a 19-21, 24-22, 21-13 victory in a 65-minute battle.
Seniors Jennifer Saladaga and Rhafi Anne Santos secured UST’s fourth win with a convincing 21-9, 21-11 performance against Bautista and Jacqueline Pantoja.
However, DLSU’s Antonio managed to claim a victory against Angeline Vitangcol, winning 21-10, 21-19.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, National University secured the second seed in the Final Four with a 4-1 rout of Adamson University.
Jeya Von Pinlac and Andria Songcuan clinched the victory in 44 minutes, defeating Marriane Barcelona and Justine Barasona, 21-19, 21-14.
The Lady Bulldogs will face the Blue Eagles in the other semifinal pairing.
Ysabel Aurora and Karyll Rio posted contrasting wins in the first two matches, putting NU up 2-0.
Aurora outgunned Aleyha Villanueva, 21-11, 21-12, while Rio fended off Key Aubrey Fuerte, 22-20, 21-8.
Gwyneth Desacola and Lee Anne Jade De Leon added another win for the Lady Bulldogs, defeating Keanna Casaje and Camille Buagas 21-18, 21-18.
Barcelona closed out Adamson’s season with a 21-18, 21-19 victory over Tia Bualat.
La Salle finished the tournament with a 1-4 win-loss record, placing fifth, while Adamson ended the season winless.
