University of the Philippines ended a long title drought in the UAAP Women’s Badminton crown, dethroning Ateneo with a decisive 3-1 victory in the Season 87 Final on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 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.
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.
“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.
Lahat nag-work hard para rito, kaya siguro ito ‘yung reward sa kanila,” said first-year UP head coach Ariel Magnaye.
Ateneo’s reigning MVP, Mika De Guzman, struck first for the Blue Eagles, battling through a grueling 97-minute match against fellow 32nd SEA Games bronze medalist Susmita Ramos, ultimately winning 18-21, 21-8, 23-21.
However, this marked the last hurrah for Ateneo’s five-peat bid, as Ramos bounced back in the doubles match.
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.
In individual accolades, Althea Ocampo of Ateneo was named Rookie of the Year in the women’s division, while Lanz Zafra of NU was awarded MVP in the men’s division, with UP’s Shan Clar recognized as the top rookie.
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.
