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UAAP SEASON 87: WOMEN'S BADMINTON Fighting Maroons dethrones Ateneo, collects 10th UAAP title 31.10.2024|Pag-ibig De Villa |
 Back to where it all (re)started Anthea Gonzalez propelled University of the Philippines to a drought-snapping UAAP Women's Badminton title, dethroning reigning four-peat champion Ateneo De Manila University, 3–1, in the Season 87 Final on Wednesday at the historic Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall. This title marked the Fighting Maroons’ 10th championship in the league, solidifying their status as the winningest squad in the sport. The third-year Sports Science major won both her assignments of the day including the hard-fought second doubles match with Kimberly Lao that secured the title, 21–19, 21–19, over Maxene Olango and Feeby Ferrer, to propel UP to its first title since the three-peat from Seasons 77 to 79. Coincidentally, those three consecutive championships all happened at this Malate venue. Gonzalez, who was later named the Most Valuable Player, set the tone for the comeback with a dominant 21–5, 21–7 win over Olango to level the contest at a match apiece.  Lahat kami nag-sacrifice para makamit tong kampeonato na ‘to – ‘yung mga coaches, mga players. Lahat sila binigay ‘yung puso para makuha nila ‘tong championship na ‘to, kasi matagal na nilang hindi nakukuha,said first-year head coach Ariel Magnaye. Lahat nag-work hard para rito, kaya siguro ito ‘yung reward sa kanila. Ateneo's Mika De Guzman broke the ice for her side, outlasting Susmita Ramos in a thrilling, 97-minute match, 18–21, 21–9, 23-21. It turned to be the last flight for the Blue Eagles' five-peat bid as Ramos protected her lair — doubles play. Ramos and Dianne Libaton finished the season with an unbeaten, 7–0 record, taking down De Guzman and Althea Ocampo, 21–13, 21–19, in the first doubles rubber to set up the victory for the Fighting Maroons. Yung consistency at ‘yung na-build nilang relasyon sa ginagawa nila, kung andon pa rin, tingin ko kaya uli nilang makuha ‘to next season. Kasi iba na ‘yung naging stronger ‘yung relasyon nila, solid na talaga,said Magnaye, who also won championships playing for University of Santo Tomas and National University, of UP's chances for back-to-back. Earlier, the men's side retained its third-place finish with Jelo Albo staying unscathed at the end of the season with a 21–14, 21–7 clinic past Lennox Cuilao to jumpstart a 3–0 sweep of University of Santo Tomas.  Eventual Rookie of the Year Shan Clar trounced Ivan Tuazon, 21–16, 21–9, before Enzo Rivera and Mark Anthony Bernal completed the rout with a 21–12, 21–12 conquest of Bien Miraflor and Cuilao. |
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