Ateneo sweeps to kickstart badminton title defense

c/o UAAP

Ateneo de Manila put forth an impressive performance to start its title defense with the start of the women's badminton portion of the UAAP Season 85 tournament at the courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City on Sunday afternoon.

The Blue Eagles won all five matches to sweep its tie against Adamson, 5-0, anchored on their performance of national team standouts Mika de Guzman and Chanelle Lunod.

The former, who spent part of her collegiate competing overseas representing the country, started off with a 21-10 21-12 victory over Patricia Timosa, and with the tie already sealed, the team captain teamed up with Feeby Ferrer for a 21-11 21-12 result in the second doubles match.

As for the latter, she staked her claim for a potential third straight MVP trophy with a 21-9 21-6 victory over Althea Bartolazo.

The tie was clinched after a 21-19 21-10 result from Jellene De Vera and Missy Cervantes over Ivy Plata and Camille Buagas in the first doubles.

Jochelle Alvarez completed the sweep after Buagas was forced to retire due to cramps. Alvarez had clinched the opening set 21-15 before the Lady Falcon made the decision during the break.

De Guzman shared afterwards, "Our goal this year is to play our best in every game that we play, and of course to defend the crown as well. In addition to that is improving ourselves is the most important thing to do this season."

Meanwhile, carving out 4-1 victories on Sunday afternoon are the University of the Philippines and La Salle.

The highlight of UP's tie against National University featured debutant Anthea Gonzalez surviving a 106-minute duel against Sarah Barredo, 23-21 17-21 21-17 in the second singles. Lea Inlayo and Susmita Ramos would clinch the tie for the Maroons in the first doubles, as they defeated Jeya Pinlac and Ysabel Amora, 21-11 21-15.

Mia Manguilimotan anchored the Green Shuttlers' performance against the University of Santo Tomas, winning both of her matches. The sophomore opened with a 21-16 21-16 win over Charlize Belen in the first singles, then followed it by joining forces against Viana Antonio to clinch the tie against Elij Pena and Clara Ignacio in doubles, 21-23 21-9 21-15.

Women's action resumes on Monday with the matches originally scheduled to be played on Saturday afternoon, after the league postponed the ties due to the weather conditions imposed by Typhoon Paeng.

Ateneo takes on UST, with UP facing Adamson and DLSU against NU. Matches will start at noon.