University of Santo Tomas secured its third consecutive Final Four appearance after defeating De La Salle University, 3-1, in the second stage of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Badminton playoffs on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate, Manila.
Rookie Hanie De Jesus delivered the standout performance of her young UAAP career, sweeping her assignments against the Lady Green Shuttlers, including the semifinal-clinching second doubles match alongside senior Marielle Alvarez.
De Jesus, eager to give her seniors a fitting send-off, paired with Alvarez for a decisive 21-17, 21-17 win over Army Espe and Mia Manguilimotan. Earlier, the rookie from Great Heights Learning Center had leveled the contest at one match apiece with a grueling 58-minute victory over Zashca Tuario, 21-16, 19-21, 21-18, in the second singles match.
“Nung natalo po kami sa Adamson nung time na ‘yon, hindi pa rin naman kami nawalan ng pag-asa na magka-chance uli kasi pwede pa naman kaming makabawi. Nag-prepare lang po talaga kami at nag-ensayo,” said the 19-year-old on what fueled their success in the past two matches.
“May mga nagsasabi rin po na baka last na po ng seniors. So, sabi nila na, ‘Ibigay niyo na ‘yung best niyo, minsan lang ‘to.’ Pero no pressure pa rin po every time, instead, mag-enjoy lang po talaga sa game. Hindi rin po namin kinalimutan na magdasal.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Manguilimotan, like in previous contests, attempted to extend her UAAP career with the Lady Green Shuttlers, trying to keep the second doubles close with Espe by capitalizing on UST’s errors from aggressive attacks.
UST, however, stayed composed, simplified their game, and timed their offense perfectly to wrap up the victory and secure their semifinal spot.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Lady Shuttlers had earlier claimed their only win of the qualifying round against the same La Salle side, which allowed them to force the playoff ladder. The España-based team also secured fourth place, earning a bye in this stage of the tournament.
De La Salle’s graduating senior Manguilimotan gave her team a dream start, dominating UST rookie Christine Dorega, 21-11, 21-13, in the first singles match.
That proved to be the Lady Green Shuttlers’ final highlight, as UST regained control for the remainder of the day.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
After De Jesus’ crucial second singles win, seniors Jennifer Saladaga and Rhafi Santos secured the 2-1 advantage for UST in the first doubles match. The duo needed 57 minutes to overcome Viana Antonio and Ghiselle Bautista, 21-17, 21-15, setting the stage for the rookie-senior pair to finish the job in the second doubles rubber.
With the win, UST will face top-ranked Ateneo de Manila University in a rematch of the Season 86 semifinals on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the same Malate venue. For De Jesus, it’s all about maintaining momentum against the undefeated leaders.
