THE ATENEO blue shuttlers finish at first runner-up after being defeated by National University (NU), 3-0 in the University of Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 79 badminton tournament on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
To get the ball rolling for today’s life or death team-tie for the blue shuttlers, Ateneo’s Carlo Remo squared off against NU’s Gabuelo. The first set was tightly contested— with both players exchanging points up until the 15 point mark. However, three consecutive net errors along with some miscalculated hits from Remo, would prove to be costly as NU would go on to take the first set at 21-18. NU then started the second set in smashing fashion— going on a 3-0 before eventually entering the interval with a six point cushion (11-5). NU would then go on to claim the second set, 21-17
Succeeding Remo for the second game of the team-tie was freshman Enrico Keoni Asuncion. Asuncion found himself going head-to-head against NU’s Pedrosa in what proved to be a game filled with fast-paced action. Asuncion got off to a cracking start, smashing twice early on to earn two quick fire points for the blue shuttlers. However, NU would regain their momentum as they found themselves entering the interval with a three point cushion (11-8).
Unforced errors proved to be costly, as Ateneo went on to lose the first set by a score of 13-21. The second set saw Asuncion get off to a rocky start— finding himself on the receiving end of a devastating NU run before eventually entering the interval trailing by six (5-11) Another series of unforced Ateneo errors would prove to be costly for the shuttlers as they went on to lose the second set at 10-21.
Only one game away from securing a three-peat, NU’s tandem of Minuluan and Palmares aimed to wrap up their championship season in their doubles match against the Ateneo tandem of Hanz Bernardo and Emilio Mangubat. Once more, unforced errors would prove to be costly for the blue shuttlers as the Ateneo tandem entered the interval trailing by five (6-11). A barrage of NU smashes along with some unforced Ateneo errors, would gift NU the first set (21-17).
Fighting for survival, The Ateneo tandem rallied behind a series of aggressive smashes to enter the interval with a one point lead (11-10). However, NU would exit the interval as the stronger of the two sides as they ignited a 3-0 run before eventually winning the set (and season) at 21-19.
Ateneo’s defeat sees them conclude UAAP Season 79 with a first runner-up finish— breaking the two-year streak of finishing at third place. Aside from the blue shuttlers taking home the first runner-up trophy, one of its members, Enrico Keoni Asuncion, brought home the UAAP Badminton Season 79 Rookie of the Year.
Speaking of his emotions after the team-tie, Asuncion expressed his delight at both winning the award and winning silver: “It feels really good to win it (Rookie of the Year) for the school. Aside from that, I think that the team did really well this season. Now, we just have to keep pushing ourselves and aim for gold next season.”
Asuncion also gave fans a glimpse of what to expect from him over the next few seasons: “For me, winning Rookie of the Year means that I have to continue working hard in training. I have to give it my absolute 100% and hopefully next season, I will play much better than I did this season.” This result sees NU go through UAAP Season 79 completely undefeated. Additionally, this championship win completes NU’s three-peat. For Ateneo, this result sees them place at first runner-up— breaking their two-year streak of finishing bronze.
Even with UAAP Season 79 all wrapped up, the Ateneo blue shuttlers will continue their frequent training sessions. By doing so, the blue shuttlers will be looking to better themselves for challenges that lie ahead.
