University of the Philippines captured a long-awaited UAAP Women’s Badminton crown, dethroning defending, ‘four-peat’ champion Ateneo de Manila University with a decisive 3-1 victory in the Season 87 Final on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.
This title marked the Fighting Maroons’ 10th championship in the league, solidifying their status as the winningest squad in the sport.
Anthea Gonzalez showcased her confidence, contributing two critical wins that propelled UP to its first title since their three-peat from Seasons 77 to 79. This victory also marks the season host’s first title of the year.
Gonzalez – who was later named Most Valuable Player – began the match with a commanding performance, defeating Maxene Olango, 21-5, 21-7.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
She then teamed up with her senior, Kimberly Lao, to secure the championship by overcoming Olango and Feeby Ferrer in a hard-fought doubles match, finishing 21-19, 21-19.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Lahat kami nag-sacrifice para makamit tong kampeonato na ‘to – ‘yung mga coaches, mga players. Lahat sila binigay ‘yung puso para makuha nila ‘tong championship na ‘to, kasi matagal na nilang hindi nakukuha,” said first-year UP head coach Ariel Magnaye.
“Lahat nag-work hard para rito, kaya siguro ito ‘yung reward sa kanila.”
Ateneo’s reigning MVP, Mika De Guzman, struck first for the Blue Eagles.
She battled through a grueling 97-minute match against fellow 32nd SEA Games bronze medalist Susmita Ramos, ultimately winning 18-21, 21-8, 23-21.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
However, this marked the last hurrah for Ateneo’s five-peat bid, as Ramos bounced back in the doubles match.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ramos – who had been undefeated in singles prior to this final – ensured that she and her partner Dianne Libaton protected their perfect doubles record.
The junior-rookie duo fended off De Guzman and Althea Ocampo, 21-13, 21-19, setting up the clinching victory for UP.
“Yung consistency at ‘yung na-build nilang relasyon sa ginagawa nila, kung andon pa rin, tingin ko kaya uli nilang makuha ‘to next season. Kasi iba na ‘yung naging stronger ‘yung relasyon nila, solid na talaga,” said Magnaye, a former champion himself with both University of Santo Tomas and National University, as he reflected on his team’s chances of going back-to-back.
Ocampo of Ateneo was named Rookie of the Year.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the NU Lady Bulldogs captured their third consecutive bronze medal after the pandemic, defeating University of Santo Tomas 3-0.
Jeya Pinlac and Andrian Songcuan completed their season unscathed, overcoming UST seniors Rhafi Anne Santos and Jennifer Saladaga, 18-21, 21-8, 21-10.
Ysabel Amora and Karyll Rio also delivered tight wins in the singles rubbers, with Amora outlasting Katrina Vitangcol, 21-19, 21-15, while Rio fended off Reshane Nicor, 21-19, 21-16.
The Golden Shuttlers concluded their season in fourth place.
