Coming off a disappointing eighth-place finish—perhaps due to the short preparation period brought about by badminton being changed from a second to a first semester UAAP sport—this season, the Ateneo Lady Shuttlers are looking for redemption.
Bannered by returnees Audrey Ng, Lisa Encarnacion, Mikee Roxas, Chelsa Say, Ellie Huang, Carla Lizardo and, reinforced by new recruits, Chikka Kumar, Jaimee Calacday and Paula Filart; the Lady Shuttlers are rejuvenated with a new-found fighting spirit, fueled by the sting left by last season’s last place finish.
This time around, however, the Lady Shuttlers come prepared. Not only physically are they conditioned—their rigorous summer regiment focused on conditioning, which included jogging, weights and footwork—but, because of their daily summer training these group of girls have been molded into a solid team.
“[We] all have a common goal”, Coach Kennie Asuncion shares about the girls’ camaraderie. Coach Asuncion emphasized the girls’ training on all aspects of their game, but sites their “gusto to win” as their greatest asset.
Facing tough competition in the FEU Lady Tamaraws and reigning champions, the DLSU Lady Archers, team captain and third year player, Lizardo, believes that winning games in the UAAP is not all about skill. “Mental toughness is key,” she said.
Although the girls are all equally inept technically, breakout performances from the much-improved Ng and Encarnacion can be expected. Additionally, spectators should also watch out for the new recruits such as Calacday.
The Lady Shuttlers begin their UAAP bout against DLSU on Saturday, August 21, followed by UP on Sunday, August 22. All women’s games will be held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Badminton Hall. Look out for the game recaps here on www.theguidon.com.
Authors Note: Kennie Asuncion is one half of the formerly BWF ranked brother-sister mixed doubles duo. Her brother Kennevic Asuncion, and former doubles partner, coaches the UP badminton team. The Ateneo Lady Shuttlers will play UP on Sunday.
ATENEO WOMEN’S BADMINTON SCHEDULE
UAAP Season 73
Venue: Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall
WOMEN – 1PM
Aug 21 (Sat) Ateneo vs DLSU
Aug 22 (Sun) Ateneo vs UP
Aug 28 (Sat) Ateneo vs AdU
Aug 29 (Sun) Ateneo vs UE
Sept 4 (Sat) Ateneo vs NU
Sept 5 (Sun) Ateneo vs UST
Sept 11 (Sat) Ateneo vs FEU
Sept 12 (Sun) SEMIS
Sept 18 (Sat) FINALS
Sept 19 (Sun) FINALS
