Ateneo Lady Shuttlers bag UAAP badminton crown

MANILA, Philippines—Rookie sensation Jana De Vera and  Gelita Castilo steered Ateneo to a UAAP women’s badminton crown Sunday with a 3-2 win over Far Eastern University.

The Lady Eagles finished the season with a pristine record of 9-0 en route to bringing home the squad’s second title in the league’s history.

The power-hitting De Vera tripped Lady Tamaraws’ Dei Duquilla, 21-15, 21-16, in the third singles to clinch the victory.

Ateneo was a win away from the title, 2-1, on a victory by Dia Magno and Castilo but FEU forged a tie with a win in the second doubles to go to the deciding singles.

In game one Saturday, the Lady Eagles also outclassed the Lady Tamaraws with an identical score.

Earlier, National University, toting a “thrice-to-beat” edge, nipped defending champion Ateneo, 3-2, in the men’s tie to move to within a win of the title.

Joper Escueta capped the Bulldogs’ comeback from a 0-2 down with a 19-21, 21-16, 21-11 Patrick Natividad, in the deciding singles match.

Game three of the finals is set on Wednesday.