The Growling Tigers handily won in their first two assignments with a pair of identical 5-2 victories over University of the East and Ateneo to grab the early lead with a 2-0 card.
Powered by Winlove dela Cerna, Season 72’s top rookie, the Lady Tamaraws made short work of the Lady Eagles, 6-1.
Reigning men’s MVP Dane Pio de Roda led the onslaught of UST, the 10-time champion which is trying to repeat its unbeaten run last year.
In other men’s results, 2010 champion La Salle whipped Ateneo, 5-2, UP stunned Season 74 third-placer FEU, 4-3, and UE gave tournament newcomer National University a rude welcoming, 6-1.
Posing as a big threat to FEU’s reign, La Salle scored a couple of shutouts after the Lady Archers blanked the Lady Warriors, 7-0, and the Lady Bulldogs, 7-0.
Behind the efforts of returning Jade Zafra, the 11-time titlist Tigresses walloped University of the Philippines, 6-1. The Tigresses are looking to bounce back from their fourth-place finish last year.
The Lady Maroons though, got back to their feet after getting staggered by the Tigresses as they delivered a 7-0 win over the Lady Eagles.
Meanwhile, NU shoots for its first men’s badminton crown against titleholder Ateneo in Game 3 of their Finals series at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.