Photo by Aih Mendoza

WITH THE addition of two top recruits, more was to be expected out of the Lady Shuttlers. But having already exceeded last year’s win-loss record in their opening weekend victories against UP and UE, the ladies in blue may just be the dark horse in this year’s UAAP race.

Game 1

Their first test of Season 74 would be the Kennevic Asuncion-coached University of the Philippines (UP) squad on August 7, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Badminton Hall.

Falling to the UP Lady Maroons in last year’s battle of Katipunan, the Lady Shuttlers have come out anew, disposing of the Diliman based squad in convincing fashion—winning four matches to one.

The new recruit tandem of Gelita Castilo and Dia Magno proved to be a significant addition, as the pair bolstered the ladies in blue in all four wins.

Despite the Lady Shuttlers’ display of dominance though, their UAAP Season 74 campaign started on a sour note as Carla Lizardo dropped the first match of the day against Mitzel Buiza, 21-17, 20-22, 20-22. However, to say Lizardo went down fighting would be an understatement. Lizardo stretched the match to three sets, lasting 40 minutes, two of which went beyond the 21 game-point marker.

The second matchup featured Castilo in her UAAP singles debut against Bianca Legaspi. The first set was barred with errors from both sides; Legaspi was able to keep the difference at just one point as Castilo led 11-10 midway through the game.

However, this would be the closest Legaspi would ever get to Castilo’s score line. The Atenean went on a run—showcasing her all-around dominance—to win the set, 21-14. She dictated the pace and direction of play, forcing Legaspi into a barrage of errors. Castilo’s command continued into the second game, limiting a frustrated Legaspi to only six points, taking the win, 21-6.

In the first doubles match of the day, Lady Shuttlers Lizardo and Magno were pitted against Elaine Malelang and Abigail Garcia. The ladies in blue started off slow, losing the first set 15-21, despite a mid-set surge.

Nevertheless, the Ateneo pair’s offense, specifically Magno’s aggressive net play, and superior court coverage proved to be too much for the UP duo, as they gained the following two sets, 21-14, 21-12, to win the match. This win gave the Lady Shuttlers a 2-1 advantage over the Lady Maroons.

Lisa Encarnacion and Castilo sealed the deal for the Lady Shuttlers, as they overcame Caitlin Dionisio and Legaspi, 18-21, 21-10, 21-12, bringing the team up three matches to one over their counterparts.

Magno concluded the day, beating Pauline Tan, 16-21, 21-14, 21-16, in her UAAP singles debut.

Regarding her first outing as a Lady Shuttler, PBaRS Women’s number one Castilo said, “Actually, I’m really happy because it’s my first time in the UAAP and I got the first win. I need to stay focused for the next matches.”

Game 2

It was more of the same for the Lady Shuttlers, as they faced the Sampaloc-based shuttlers. Though the final match count stood at 3-2, Ateneo won comfortably early on such that the final matches would have no bearing.

Encarnacion kicked things off with a 21-15, 21-15 beat down of Kimberly Gatpolintan in the first singles match while Castilo followed suit, disposing Rochelle Andres via a 21-11, 21-19 score line.

The first doubles match of the afternoon pitted Lizardo and Magno against Gatpolintan and Fatima Cruz, with the Ateneo pair winning convincingly, 21-18, 21-16, in less than 30 minutes.

Mikee Roxas and Castilo suited up for the second doubles match, which would be the highlight of the day. Although they lost to the UE pair of Andres and May Pomorada, Ateneo put up a good fight, eventually losing 21-10, 18-21, 22-24.

Ateneo Coach Kennie Asuncion opted not to tire her players in the last match, and as such, the third singles bout was awarded to UE via walkover.

The Lady Shuttlers look to continue their good start against Adamson on Saturday, August 13, 1:00 PM once again at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Badminton Hall.

Team Standings:

Women’s:

DLSU 2-0

FEU 2-0

ADMU 2-0

UST 1-1

AdU 1-1

UE 0-2

NU 0-2

UP 0-2