THE ATENEO Men’s Badminton Team (AMBT) ousted the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Shuttlers, 5-0, earlier today at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Quezon City.
The Blue Eagles opened their University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 campaign with a record of 1-0.
Lyrdon Laborte opened today’s matchup for the Blue Eagles with a dominant showing over DLSU’s Jason Pajarillo in the first Men’s Singles match, 2-0. Initially seeing a tight competition early into the first set, 21-13, the Ateneo veteran managed to pull off a strong 10-point win in the second set, closing the bout, 21-11.
Following suit for the Blue and White was Lance Vargas, who triumphed in a close battle against Joshua Cuarte, 2-0. Both shuttlers could not grab a comfortable lead throughout the two sets, yet the AMBT rookie’s aggressive front attacks closed the matchup 21-17, 21-18.
Over to Doubles action, Team Captain Arthur Salvado and Laborte ultimately secured the Ateneo match win after holding off Joshua Morada and Yugin Tan, 2-0. Back-and-forth exchanges from both teams forced the Blue Eagles to come from behind in the first set, 21-17. The Ateneo duo saw better results in the second set as they cruised past the Green Archers, 21-13.
Charles Bagasbas and Allen Penute continued the Blue and White’s mastery over the Green Shuttlers and defeated Yuan Tan and Jeff Cruz in the second Men’s Doubles matchup, 2-0. The Blue Eagles’ impenetrable defense allowed them to take the first set, 21-17. However, DLSU shifted towards an aggressive approach in the second set, and Ateneo’s defense loomed over in the latter stages to close the matchup, 21-12.
Closing off Ateneo’s immaculate showing, Salvado cruised past DLSU’s James Capin in the third Men’s Singles bout, 2-0. Opening the match with a scorching nine-point run, the AMBT skipper dominantly closed the first set, 21-11. The second set saw the same results as the Blue Eagle made quick work of the Green Shuttler, 21-9.
The AMBT’s opening-day win sets the tone for their Season 86 campaign as they aim to reach the finals once again. After winning silver last season, the Katipunan-based team is focused on reestablishing themselves as a premier team in the tournament.
Head Coach Kennie Asuncion-Robles shared her sentiments towards the Blue Eagles’ dominant showing. “We wanted to start strong. We wanted everyone to be able to play all their games the best that they [could], and I think they did […] I’m glad they were able to put their heart in[to] it and play their best,” said Asuncion-Robles.
The Blue Eagles look to continue their winning ways as they go up against rivals University of the Philippines Men’s Badminton Team tomorrow, October 29 in the same venue. The Battle of Katipunan begins tomorrow at 8:00 AM.
