IN A matchup with numerous monikers (the battle of Katipunan, the clash of the sister teams, the brawl of the Asuncion coaches), both teams came out determined to gain their first win. As Mikee Roxas’ mid-game injury proved to be crucial to the Ateneo Lady Shuttlers, the UP Fighting Maroons were the eventual victors, 3-2, on August 22 at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
The first match of the afternoon saw Lady Shuttler Audrey Ng face Fighting Maroon Bianca Legaspi. Ng trailed closely throughout the first set but Legaspi pulled away in the end, winning the first set (21-19). Although Ng showed flashes of brilliance, with her flawless drop shot placing, Legaspi’s steep smashing proved to be too much, with UP player capturing the second set (21-16).
Lisa Encarnacion, Ateneo’s second singles player, led the Lady Shuttlers to its first match win of the season, in the two set sweep of Mitzel Buisa (21-18,21-19), tying the game (1-1). Encarnacion went on an offensive barrage – featuring pleasing net play, devastating cross-court drives, and mid-court smashes – emerging victorious in both sets. Buisa was able to keep the margin close, but a series of overpowered strokes and errors led to her failure to gain sets. “I was psyched out today, I really wanted it,” Encarnacion said after her game.
The third match of the day put hard smashing Lady Shuttlers duo Audrey Ng and Mikee Roxas against Pauline Tan and Elaine Malelang. The more organized ladies in Blue showcased superior court coverage, solid defense and trademark strong smashing but the UP pair barely took the set, 23-25, off Ng’s lopsided drive that ricocheted off the court. However, this did not hinder the Ateneo pair’s momentum, as the Lady Shuttlers reigned over the Fighting Maroons, taking the second set, 21-15, through Roxas’ commanding down-the-line smash.
The Lady Shuttlers continued in their dominance, taking a quick 4-1 lead. Unfortunately, Roxas went down with an ankle injury with the score at 8-4. Roxas was forced to retire from the game, thus giving the match to Tan and Malelang, and the Fighting Maroons a 2-1 lead.
Unable to recover, Ateneo’s rookie second doubles pair, Chikka Kumar and Jaimee Calacday were overwhelmed by Caitlin Dionisio and Legaspi in two sets (21-10, 21-8), extending the Fighting Maroon’s lead, 3-1, giving them their first win of the season. “Sayang lang (It was really unfortunate), our luck just turned out”, a disappointed Ng commented.
Despite this, Carla Lizardo succeeded in the third singles matchup, defeating Pauline Tan (21-14, 11-21, 21-13), finalizing the score at 3-2.
The Ateneo Lady Shuttlers play their next game against the Adamson Lady Falcons Saturday, August 28, 1pm at the Rizal Sports Complex Badminton Hall.
Author Note:
Team Standings
DLSU (2-0)
UE (2-0)
FEU (2-0)
UST (1-1)
UP (1-1)
Ateneo (0-2)
AdU (0-2)
NU (0-2)
