A second runner-up finish at the podium ultimately capped off a bittersweet run for the Ateneo Lady Eagles in Season 80 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Women’s Badminton Tournament.
Following the team’s defeat to archrivals De La Salle University (DLSU) in the semifinal round, veterans Captain Cassie Lim, Trixie Malibiran, and Bianca Carlos—who phenomenally ended her UAAP career with an unbeaten record in all singles matches in her five-year stint with Ateneo—bid farewell to the Blue and White.
Carrying a combined total of 14 years of UAAP experience amongst themselves, the departing trio of Carlos, Lim, and Malibiran will undoubtedly leave a hole in the team’s leadership and lineup choices. Lim and Carlos were both often deployed interchangeably in the initial two singles matches while, on several occasions, Coach Kennie Asuncion turned to Malibiran to close down team-ties as the last singles player.
With all three of the team’s mainstays having departed at the close of last season, the returning veterans will take on new roles on and off the court in their search for a podium finish in UAAP Season 81.
Filling the void
Having garnered the prestigious Rookie of the Year award in Season 79, veteran lady shuttler Chanelle Lunod looks likely to be deployed as a Singles player in addition to her preferred role as a Doubles player. Lunod, who exhibited a favourable showing in the 2018 Frederick D. Go Cup (FDG), looks likely to be the team’s crucial cog.
Season 81 Team Captain Samantha Ramos will take the reins from Lim to lead the team. Despite suffering two season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injuries in three seasons for the Blue and White, Ramos’ unrelenting determination on the court will be crucial to the team’s success.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year, Aly Roxas, will also be expected to step up for the Lady Eagles. Head Coach Kennie Asuncion will be hoping to see the Assumption College alumna display more of the fighting spirit she showed to garner the prestigious accolade in Season 80.
Preseason as a curtain-raiser
The Lady Eagles are never short of competitive match experience as they participate annually in the FDG tournament as well as other tournaments abroad. These preseason tournaments offer the lady shuttlers a chance to develop their mental strength and skill set ahead of the UAAP season.
When asked about her performance in the preseason FDG Cup, Lunod said that she had played above even her own expectations, particularly in the women’s singles category. The third year veteran was quick to acknowledge the contribution of her training in her bronze medal finish, which in turn bolstered her confidence and fostered a sense of trust between herself and her coaches.
On the performance of her teammates, Lunod commented, “[The team] was up against players they [would] be facing in the UAAP, and we made sure to put up a good fight.” “They showed spirit, passion, and heart in all the games they played. For that, I’m truly grateful and proud at the same time.”
The future of the Lady Shuttlers
The team’s primary concern for the upcoming season, according to Lunod, is making up for the loss of the three veterans. While the departure of Carlos essentially means the team relinquishes a sure team-tie point advantage, Lunod believes this would motivate them to push each other to secure wins. Coupled with the loss of Lim and Malibiran, each of the six veteran members of the team will inevitably clock in more playing time and likewise gain more experience under their belts.
Despite the reduced squad size, Lunod also believes that the team is more compact and unified as compared to last year. “Since we’re a smaller group, and our ages aren’t that far off. We’re able to get together a lot and understand better where each one is coming from,” said Lunod.
Adding to Lunod’s comments, Coach Asuncion further mentioned how she will be expecting her veterans and rookies to remain unfazed at the challenge of the UAAP competition. “I always tell my players that [this season] will be a bigger challenge, [and that] therefore we all need to step up,” Asuncion said.
As always, the team will be planning on rolling with their strategy of taking it one game at a time as advised by Coach Asuncion. Similar to the previous year, the team will also strive for a never-say-die mindset, treating each game like their last as they look to place a greater level of importance on every match.
Despite the team’s potential, Lunod acknowledges the current underdog position of the team. “We know that it will be challenging for us this season to make it to the top three, but we are confident that we can do it,” she said. “I feel like our team wants this win more this year because we have a lot of people to prove wrong.”
