Lyrden Laborte proved his worth for Ateneo de Manila University by playing a crucial role in the squad’s triumph, securing the UAAP men’s badminton title and ending a 10-year title drought.
His outstanding campaign earned him the Most Valuable Player award.
Now in his third year with the Blue Eagles, Laborte has been entrusted with leading the team in their quest for back-to-back championships, a feat the school achieved in the early years of the UAAP badminton tournament.
“Maganda naman po ‘yung naging outcome sa first day ng laro namin. Medyo adjustment lang po sa simula pero minantain lang po namin ‘yung mindset na one game at a time. Kaya happy po kami. Iniisip namin na lahat naman ng teams nagpe-prepare, so hinahanda lang namin ‘yung mga sarili namin sa mga upcoming games namin this season,” Laborte said, reflecting on their initial matches.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite a mix of seasoned players and rookies in the squad, Laborte expressed satisfaction with the team’s unity and the mindset instilled by head coach Kennie Asuncion.
He highlighted his partnership with rookie and Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Robby Ramos, who secured a decisive 21-18, 21-11 victory over Adamson University’s Noel Hernandez and Gabriel Gamoy in just 31 minutes last Saturday.
“Since rookie nga po siya, for me, gina-guide ko lang po siya para walang problema. Nag-a-adapt kami naman kasi both sides,” Laborte explained.
“Wala naman po kaming iniiba sa training namin. Similar lang po sa usually na ginagawa namin, at tuluy-tuloy lang po kahit natapos na ‘yung last season. Motivation pa nga po namin na nanalo kami, mas naging inspired po kami na maglaro kasi wala nga pong imposible. Nadagdagan pa kami ng mga rookies na masasabi po naming malaking tulong po sila,” the multiple age-group titlist added.
