UP Women Shuttlers fail 4-peat UAAP Championship

Photo by Luisa Morales (Tinig ng Plaridel)

THE University of the Philippines (UP) Women’s Badminton Team ends their 3-year UAAP championship streak after their defeat at the hands of the De La Salle University (DLSU) at the UAAP Badminton Finals held last October 21, 2017 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

UP, who was gunning for their fourth straight championship title at the women’s badminton finals, lost to the Lady Archers after failing to secure victory at the final do-or-die game and ended with 2-3 at a best-of-five series.

In the first singles match, Poca Alaca of UP came out victorious in the grueling match against DLSU player Arianne Rivera. Acala won the match in straight sets with a score of 22-20, 21-18.

Despite having a strong opening match, the oblation squad found themselves in a deadlock as team captain Marina Caculitan failed to clinch the second singles match against opponent Iyah Sevilla, who won the third set, 20-22, 21-12, 21-18.

DLSU showed their determination to win the championship as they triumphed in the first doubles match again the power duo of UP, Jessie Francisco and Acala. Archers Isay Leonardo and Nicole Albo took the match in three sets, 21-23, 21-16, 21-17, which put DLSU ahead of UP, 1-2.

UP dominated the second doubles match against DLSU players Lindsay Tercias and Sevilla. Partners Lea Inlayo and Mary Ann Marañon were able to limit the scoring of the Taft-based duo and won the match in two sets, 21-16, 21-10.

With the two teams at a deadlock, Marañon and Lady Archer Nicole Albo found themselves battling the deciding match.

Despite the momentum Marañon had coming off her doubles match win, there was nothing she could do to stop Albo, who won the match in just 2 sets with the scores 21-11, 21-14.

Albo was also named as Season 80 women’s badminton Most Valuable Player.

It has been eight years since DLSU last took home the title.

“Mas ginusto talaga naming manalo (we really wanted to win),” said graduating Lady Archer Leonardo, when asked what made the difference this time around.

Meanwhile, when asked about her thoughts on losing the championships this year, UP team captain Caculitan said she has no regrets.

“Of course, I was bummed that we were not able to clinch a four-peat, but I’m neither disappointed nor regretful because I know that the team was able to fight hard and well,” said Caculitan. “I knew that everyone really fought their hearts out till the end”.

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