THE ATENEO Lady Eagles defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons in stunning fashion, 3-2, in their first best-of-three finals match of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 Women’s Badminton Tournament on Monday, October 8, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Coming off the decisive match that sent Ateneo to the finals, Samantha Ramos opened the finals series playing against Poca Alcala. Alcala, who defeated Lunod in their previous matchup during the eliminations, continued to display her dominance as she allowed the Ateneo Skipper only three points in the first interval. Despite Ramos’ efforts to keep the match close, Alcala proceeded to take the first match in straight sets, 21-13, 21-10.

Ateneo’s first loss was quickly redeemed by the Season 79 Rookie of the Year, Chanelle Lunod. The Lady Eagle made easy work of her opponent in two sets as she cruised past Tricia Opon to give Ateneo its first win of the day, 21-9, 21-13.

Subsequently, Lunod was fielded once more alongside teammate Geva De Vera to deny Alcala and Jessie Francisco’s efforts of reclaiming the lead in the team-tie. The crucial tie went to the wire both teams managed to secure one set each. Lunod and De Vera slowly pulled away in the third set, managing to build a steady cushion in their first few exchanges. They eventually held on to win the set, 21-14, 15-21, 21-16.

With the team-tie on the line, the pressure was on for Bea Felizardo and Ramos to protect their 2-1 advantage versus Lea Inlayo and Ann Marañon. The Blue and White tandem found their backs against the wall as the high-pressure match left no room for errors. Unfortunately, the Lady Maroons were able to capitalize on the situation as their composure reigned supreme over Felizardo and Ramos. The match ended 10-21, 18-21, in favor of UP.

The evenly-matched afternoon led up to a final showdown between De Vera and Francisco. Despite the situation at hand, De Vera remained focused and took the first set in convincing fashion, 21-13.

Refusing to go down quietly, Francisco fought tooth-and-nail to tie the game at 20-apiece in the second set. The UP lady shuttler then closed out the set to send the match and the team-tie into the winner-takes-all set. Unfazed, De Vera was determined to finally dispatch Francisco in the tiebreaker set. Following an 11-9 advantage at the interval, De Vera pushed on to bring an end to the set, 21-14, in favor of the Blue and White.

This win puts the Lady Eagles ahead in the best-of-three finals. One more team-tie win will be enough to see the UAAP Women’s Badminton crown return to Ateneo for the first time since Season 76. The next match will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 12, at the same venue.

Team-tie score: Ateneo 3 UP 2

1st Singles: Samantha Ramos los. Poca Alcala, 13-21, 10-21

2nd Singles: Chanelle Lunod def. Tricia Opon, 21-9, 21-13

1st Doubles: Lunod/De Vera def. Poca Alcala/Jessie Francisco, 21-14, 15-21, 21-16

2nd Doubles: Bea Felizardo/Samantha Ramos vs. Lea Inlayo/Ann Marañon, 10-21, 18-21

3rd Singles: Geva De Vera vs Jessie Francisco, 21-13, 20-22, 21-14