National University (NU) and Ateneo de Manila University emerged as the biggest winners of the UAAP Season 89 badminton championships, with the Bulldogs capturing the men’s team title while the Blue Eagles ruled the women’s division on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
NU secured the men’s championship with a 3-1 victory over Ateneo, avenging its previous season’s bronze-medal finish and denying the defending champions another title.
The Bulldogs established an early advantage through dominant singles performances. Lanz Zafra defeated Rolan De Guzman, 21-7, 21-9, before Clarence Villaflor overcame Wijel Albo, 21-9, 21-13, giving NU a commanding 2-0 lead.
Ateneo fought back in the first doubles match, with Robby Ramos and Lance Vargas defeating John Vincent Lanuza and MJ Perez, 21-17, 16-21, 21-7, to keep the Blue Eagles in contention.
However, NU’s John Benedict Gam and Jacinth Paul Ruedas delivered the decisive point, beating reigning Most Valuable Player Lyrden Laborte and Allen Penute, 21-19, 21-14, to seal the championship.
The victory completed NU’s return to the top of the men’s badminton competition after finishing third in the previous season.
Ateneo Takes Women’s Badminton Championship
While NU celebrated its men’s title, Ateneo secured the women’s crown with a 3-1 victory over National University.
The Blue Eagles recovered after NU’s Sab Amora defeated Arkeexa Ojera, 21-5, 21-4, in the opening singles match.
Althea Ocampo brought Ateneo level by overcoming Karyll Rio, 21-15, 20-22, 21-12, setting up a strong finish for the defending champions.
The doubles matches proved decisive. Daena Castro and Andrea Hernandez defeated Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany, 12-21, 21-18, 21-10, to put Ateneo ahead.
Angel Valle and Althea Hernandez then secured the championship with a comeback victory over Tia Bualat and Lee-Anne De Leon, 14-21, 21-19, 21-8.
The result gave Ateneo another major achievement in the women’s competition, overcoming NU in the championship showdown.
UP Takes Bronze in Both Divisions
The University of the Philippines (UP) also finished the tournament on the podium, claiming third place in both the men’s and women’s team events.
In the men’s bronze-medal match, the Fighting Maroons overcame the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 3-2, after a hard-fought contest.
UP’s Shan Clar opened with a 21-14, 21-10 victory over Aaron Bedaña, but UST fought back through its doubles and singles matches to take a 2-1 lead.
Clark Brillantes defeated Josh Dupet, 30-29, 21-16, while Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor beat MJ Amerodin and Kian Cruz, 16-21, 21-17, 21-17.
UP eventually forced the deciding match, where Jerard Borgador defeated Ivan Tuazon, 16-21, 21-16, 21-16, completing the comeback.
In the women’s division, UP swept Adamson University, 3-0, to claim the bronze medal.
Anthea Gonzalez defeated Abby Barcelona, 14-21, 21-12, 21-3, while Brys Fuggan beat Key Aubrey Fuerte, 21-11, 21-10.
Kimberly Lao and Susmita Ramos then completed the sweep with a 16-21, 21-12, 21-14 victory over Mary Destiny Untal and Jasmine Reformina.
The championship results highlighted the depth of collegiate badminton in the UAAP, with NU, Ateneo and UP taking the top three positions across the two team competitions.
