University of the Philippines fended off its biggest challenge yet from Ateneo de Manila University to claim its third consecutive title at the 2024 Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships, winning 3-1 on Monday at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
Led by third-year standouts Althea Gonzalez and Susmita Ramos, who have been part of the team since its inaugural championship in 2022, the Fighting Maroons overcame a men’s singles win from UAAP Season 86 co-MVP Lyrden Laborte to complete yet another tournament sweep.
They secured gold medals, a trophy, and ₱50,000 in prize money at the event, which was backed by the Philippine Badminton Association and SMART, with support from the MVP Sports Foundation, MWell, Cignal, A2Z Customs, and Saiyan Sports.
Ramos, a member of the national team training pool in recent years, and incoming rookie Dianne Libaton clinched the title for UP in the women’s doubles match with a decisive second-game run, defeating Palarong Pambansa 2024 gold medalist Althea Dawn Ocampo and Ateneo senior Missy Cervantes, 21-12, 21-14.
Laborte, heading into his third year with the Blue Eagles for the upcoming UAAP season, dominated fellow incoming junior Kervin Llanes, 21-9, 21-11, to score Ateneo’s first and only point.
UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year, Gonzalez, continued her undefeated streak in the Intercollegiate tournaments since 2022, defeating Angel Valle 21-9, 21-9 in the women’s singles match to tie the score and set the stage for UP’s comeback.
Next, former San Sebastian College-Recolletos high school standouts Johann Abinales and RA Pedron followed up with a men’s doubles victory, overpowering Allen Penute and Charles Bagasbas 21-15, 21-17, breaking the deadlock and paving the way for Ramos and Libaton’s winning effort.
Ateneo, the reigning double UAAP Season 86 champions, earned silver medals and ₱20,000 in prize money.
Adamson University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde completed the winners’ podium, each taking home bronze medals and ₱10,000.
Seniors Jason Vanzuela and Kimberly Lao, along with newcomers Shan Clar, Mark Anthony Bernal, Anielka Paz, and Kahrene Zapanta, rounded out the roster for UP’s three-peat Intercollegiate champions.
