National University nails 2 titles; UP shines

National University picked up two titles and University of the Philippines copped one in separate UAAP action on Saturday.

Most Valuable Player Peter Gabriel Magnaye powered the Bulldogs to their second straight men’s badminton championship, while the Lady Bullpups also completed a back-to-back title romp in girls’ high school volleyball.

The Lady Maroons also reigned for the second straight season in women’s badminton behind skipper Bea Bernardo.

“All our hard work paid off,” Magnaye, the 23-year-old national team mainstay, said after the Bulldogs disposed of La Salle, 3-1, in the Finals to cap an unbeaten season at Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

The Bulldogs, now with three crowns in the last four years, first scored through Roslee Pedrosa  in the first singles and the second doubles with Paul Gonzales.

Magnaye also partnered with Alvin Morada in the other doubles triumph.

In the women’s Finals, Bernardo teamed up with Mary Ann Maranon to lead the Lady Maroons to a 3-1 victory over Ateneo.

The pair triumphed in the second doubles following the first doubles win of Rookie of the Year Lea Inlayo and Jessie Francisco.  Maranon also scored in the second singles.

In girls’ volleyball, the Lady Bullpups outlasted University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 14-25, 23-25, 26-24, 15-8, at Adamson gym.

Faith Nisperos, last season’s MVP, fired back-to-back aces for a 7-4 lead that sparked the Lady Bullpups’ surge in the deciding set.

Thea Gagate (Rookie of the Year), Sheena Toring (Best Blocker) and Joyme Cagande (Best Setter) likewise shone for NU.

The boys Finals between defending champion University of the East and unbeaten National U has been rescheduled due to Typhoon “Lando.”