UP Fighting Maroons clinch UAAP women’s badminton crown

UP Fighting Maroons celebrate their UAAP Season 87 women’s badminton title. –UAAP PHOTO

University of the Philippines captured a long-awaited UAAP women’s badminton crown after dethroning  Ateneo with a decisive 3-1 victory in the Season 87 Final on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

This title marked the Fighting Maroons’ 10th championship in the league, solidifying their status as the winningest squad in the sport.

Anthea Gonzalez showcased her confidence, contributing two critical wins that propelled UP to its first title since their three-peat from Seasons 77 to 79.

READ: NU gets UAAP badminton five-peat after another perfect season

Gonzalez, who was later named Most Valuable Player, began the match with a commanding performance, defeating Maxene Olango, 21-5, 21-7.

She then teamed up with her senior, Kimberly Lao, to secure the championship by overcoming Olango and Feeby Ferrer in a hard-fought doubles match, finishing 21-19, 21-19.

“We all sacrificed to achieve this championship—the coaches, the players. Everyone put their heart into getting this title, especially since it’s been a while since we last won. Everyone worked hard for this, so maybe this is their reward,” said first-year UP head coach Ariel Magnaye.

Ateneo’s reigning MVP, Mika De Guzman, struck first for the Blue Eagles, battling through a grueling 97-minute match against fellow 32nd SEA Games bronze medalist Susmita Ramos, ultimately winning 18-21, 21-8, 23-21.

Ateneo Blue Eagles wound up first runner up in UAAP Season 87 women’s badminton. –UAAP PHOTO

However, this marked the last hurrah for Ateneo’s five-peat bid, as Ramos bounced back in the doubles match.

Ramos, who had been undefeated in singles prior to this final, ensured that she and her partner Dianne Libaton protected their perfect doubles record.

The junior-rookie duo fended off De Guzman and Althea Ocampo, 21-13, 21-19, setting up the clinching victory for UP.

“The consistency and the bond they’ve built through what they do—if that’s still there, I think they can win it again next season. It’s different now that their relationship has become stronger, really solid,” said Magnaye, a former champion himself with both the University of Santo Tomas and National University, as he reflected on his team’s chances of going back-to-back.

In individual accolades, Althea Ocampo of Ateneo was named Rookie of the Year in the women’s division, while Lanz Zafra of NU was awarded MVP in the men’s division, with UP’s Shan Clar recognized as the top rookie.

Meanwhile, the NU Lady Bulldogs captured their third consecutive bronze medal after the pandemic, defeating University of Santo Tomas 3-0.

Jeya Pinlac and Andrian Songcuan completed their season unscathed, overcoming UST seniors Rhafi Anne Santos and Jennifer Saladaga, 18-21, 21-8, 21-10.

Ysabel Amora and Karyll Rio also delivered tight wins in the singles rubbers, with Amora outlasting Katrina Vitangcol, 21-19, 21-15, while Rio fended off Reshane Nicor, 21-19, 21-16.

The Lady Shuttlers concluded their season in fourth place.