AFTER FIVE seasons, the Ateneo Lady Eagles captured the coveted University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 Women’s Badminton crown after sweeping the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons on Friday, October 12, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
For Chanelle Lunod, a rematch against Alcala in the first match of the day meant an opportunity to avenge her earlier loss against the Lady Maroon in the elimination round. It was not until the end of the first set that Lunod unleashed aggression to overcome her opponent, 21-19. The first set victory was short-lived as costly errors from the Lady Eagle resulted in her dropping the second set, 11-21, to extend the match. Knowing that a win would boost the morale of her team, Lunod was determined to overcome the Lady Maroon. The former Rookie of the Year went all out in the third set despite being down by a point at the interval. Lunod employed a strategy to tire out Alcala, and was able to capitalize on the Lady Maroon’s fatigue by forcing errors. In the end, Lunod walked away with the set, 21-16, and gave the Lady Eagle a team-tie standing of 1-0.
[First Women’s Singles]
Lunod’s cross-court smash lands within the line! She swings the momentum to the side of the blue and white and gives the Lady Shuttlers an advantage in the team-tie. Third-set score: 21-16.
Team-tie Score: Ateneo 1 UP 0#UAAPBadminton pic.twitter.com/0feZTw7ZFp
— Selina de Dios (@Sel_TheGUIDON) October 12, 2018
Next up to take to the court was Ateneo Team Captain Samantha Ramos as the Lady Eagle would clash with Jessie Francisco in what was the most pivotal match of the day. Nerves got the better of the Ateneo veteran in the first set as she handed Francisco the win, 21-16, to cede the advantage in their match. This only seemed to fuel Ramos, who showed true grit in the second set. She clawed her way to the lead heading into the interval, and eventually won the set, 21-17, after errors from Francisco. The seasoned Lady Eagle showed true composure in the last set as she cruised towards match point. After employing an arsenal of clever shots, Ramos eventually sealed the win with a powerful cross-court kill to take the set, 21-16, and the match, putting Ateneo up 2-0 in the team-tie standing.
[Second Women’s Singles]
Ramos earns the set, 21-16, and the match with an emphatic cross-court kill! Lunod and De Vera can bring it home with a win in their first double’s match!
Team-tie Score: Ateneo 2 UP 0#UAAPBadminton pic.twitter.com/alFnLs5Dzj
— Selina de Dios (@Sel_TheGUIDON) October 12, 2018
Geva De Vera and Lunod teamed up once more, looking to put the team-tie to bed. In true champion fashion, the ladies in the Blue and White fought valiantly to deliver the crown. The Lady Maroons tried their best to offset the Ateneo tandem, but to no avail. Wanting to end their season with a bang, the duo dominated in two-straight sets, 21-10, 21-9, to return the title to Ateneo.
[First Women’s Double]
De Vera with a kill to end it all! Ateneo sweeps today’s matches and the finals series! They end a 5-year drought and take the trophy back home to Ateneo.
Team-tie Score: Ateneo 3 UP 0 #UAAPBadminton pic.twitter.com/QOZcB7z4sb
— Selina de Dios (@Sel_TheGUIDON) October 12, 2018
Amidst the chaos and excitement on the floor after the day had concluded, Samantha Ramos could not hold back her tears. After returning from a major injury, she did not come into the season with any expectations. She shared that the feeling of being a champion “is overwhelming — it’s amazing.”
Similarly, one of the two Most Valuable Players, Chanelle Lunod, was also at a loss for words after what their team had just achieved. Lunod reiterated that their team had modest goals from the start. “I knew we had a chance, but I didn’t think we would get this far.”
The other MVP awardee, Geva De Vera, who scored the final and deciding point of the season, used their shortcomings in the past as her inspiration. “From the start all I could think of was yung paghihirap namin throughout those four years of not getting the championship.”
After five long seasons, the UAAP Badminton crown returns to Loyola Heights in Season 81.
Team-tie score: Ateneo 3 UP 0
1st singles: Lunod def. Alcala, 21-19, 11-21, 21-16
2nd singles: Ramos def. Francisco, 16-21, 21-17, 21-16
1st doubles: Lunod/De Vera def. Inlayo/Marañon, 21-10, 21-8
