NU streak in men's badminton reaches 53

c/o UAAP

The streak is now at 53 straight ties for National University, as the defending champions swept the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday morning at the courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City.

Lanz Zafra kicked things off with a 21-13 21-9 victory over Lanz Ramirez in just under half an hour. Fellow newcomer Mark Anthony Velasco followed suit with a 21-15 21-10 triumph over Lennox Cuilao.

National team standouts Solomon Padiz Jr and Julius Villabrille clinched the tie for the Bulldogs with a 21-12 21-14 victory in doubles action against Jacob Galve and JJ Panisales.

Zafra shared afterwards, "Sobrang happy po kami, kasi yesterday po naka-isa yung Adamson sa 'min. Pero ngayon, mentally prepared po kami." He adds, "We'll prepare po kahit holiday in the coming days. Workout pa rin po kahit nasa bahay. Siyempre, prepare pa rin po para sa UP."

The Maroons will head into their matchup against the defending champions on Saturday fresh from a 4-1 win over Adamson. The duo of Jelo Albo and Jason Vanzuela clinched their second straight victory in UAAP Season 85 with a 21-14 21-9 win over Harold Bonilla and CL Garcia.

Ateneo completed the trio of 4-1 wins after dispatching rivals La Salle. Team captain Arthur Salvado won both of his assignments to help the Blue Eagles achieve their objective, defeating James Estrada, 21-17 21-7 in the first singles match. He followed that with a 21-10 21-15 result alongside Lynden Laborte against Pete Abellana and Bless Linaban.

Ateneo hopes to join the winner of UP-NU atop the league after their matchup against Adamson, whilst the Green Shuttlers will try to bounce back against UST.