Ateneo retains women’s badminton crown

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo punched in another perfect season capped with a 3-2 victory over La Salle, to capture their second straight crown in UAAP women’s badminton.

It took Patricia Malibiran more than an hour to edge Angelic Ramos, 21-17, 14-21, 21-18 in the deciding singles to clinch the win for the Lady Eagles.

Bianca Carlos, the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, drew first blood in the opening singles with a 21-18, 21-14 victory over Danica San Ignacio. Ateneo opened a 2-0 margin after Dia Magno nosed out Danica San Ignacio, 21-15, 15-21, 21-10, in the second singles.

The Lady Archers won the two doubles matches to forge a decider as Alyssa Leonardo and Aires Montilla beat Carlos and Malibiran, 24-22, 21-18, while Bolos and Ramos downed Magno and Jana de Vera, 21-17, 21-15.

The championship was the third overall for the Lady Eagles, who have gone unbeaten for 18 games since last season.

Ateneo also moved closer to regaining the men’s crown with a 3-0 win over titleholder National University, 3-0 in game two. The Blue Eagles go for the jugular on Sunday.