La Salle shuttlers ready to dominate

With a championship to defend for the women’s division, and a challenge to reclaim for the men’s division title, the De La Salle Green and Lady Shuttlers are determined to step up to meet expectations in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines(UAAP) Season 73 badminton tournament.

Green and Lady Shuttlers head coach Owen Lopez will be joining the squad once again for the eighth straight year. A former player himself, he expects that this season, both Taft-based squad teams will be once again a top target, given the strong showing of both teams since 2004.

The defending champion Lady Shuttlers are determined to reel in a second straight crown, a feat the team achieved in 2004 and 2005.

Lopez feels fortunate that his championship team is still intact, led by Season 72 Most Valuable Player fourth year Descka Calimlim. Also returning for the squad are Rachel Guerrero, Franze Arsenio, Angelica Ramos, Jamie Valle, and Season 72 Rookie of the YearDanica Bolos. Adding to their tough team are Flo Lamigo and Danica San Ignacio.

Meanwhile, the Green Shuttlers are hell bent on grabbing their second title in 14 years. Leading the squad are seasoned veterans Team Captain Bryan Chan and Rodel Dawal. Adding to this determined team are Kevin Ponciano, Nikko and Ivan Angsico and Rookies JC Clarito, Ronel Estanislao and Jose Martinez.

According to Lopez, his rookies have gained enough exposure playing in such competitive tournaments such as the Palarong Pambansa.

Lopez noted that they were able to train well and hard, despite fewer intercollegiate competitions held in the past few months. He also said that they focused on practicing both singles and doubles event, a change from their previous seasons.

Lopez also believes that all the schools have the ability to rule the event. However, attitude and accuracy will be a difference, and this, he believes, sets his squad apart. He also cited the fact that his squads have been getting support from almost everyone linked to the team.

“Hindi lang ‘yung team ngayon [pati nga] ‘yung mga alumni, willing [sila] ibigay ang weekends for the team (It is not only ourcurrent team, but our alumni showing support and allotting their weekends for the team),” he said, adding that he simply hopes his team will give its best shot in every match.

“Dapat buo ang laro na bibinibigay ng bawat player dahil nararamdaman ng buong team ang panalo (Each player should give a 100% effort because the entire team feels the victory attained),” Lopez affirmed.

This season 73, a new set of rules, regulations and format are introduced. In contrast to the open-air court setting in the previous seasons, badminton will now be held on an air-conditioned court, which will be a new factor to be taken into consideration by all teams.

Another format introduced is the same format of eliminations being used in basketball and volleyball, with all teams competing for the top four slots to qualify for the semi-final round. Additionally, the top two teams will hold a twice-to-beat advantage.

Lopez hopes that the green-and-white can nail the top seed at the end of the elimination round, after which, they can plot their route to the title.

“Lalaban kami, hindi lang kami (current team), [kundi] buong team talaga (We are going to fight, not just the current team but the entire team who was once Green and Lady Shuttler),” declared Lopez. He also reminds his players that despite hardwork and determination to bring victory for the team and for the school, never forget to enjoy what they are doing.

Nevertheless, Lopez and his squad are now conditioned and ready to bring home another victory for DLSU, hoping to contribute in some way to La Salle’s hopes of bagging the overall championship.

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John Daniel G. Salonga, 20, is a fifth year AB Political Science student at De La Salle University.