UP ends Ateneo’s four-season reign, annexes 10th UAAP Women’s Badminton title

University of the Philippines captured a long-awaited UAAP Women’s Badminton crown, dethroning defending, ‘four-peat’ champion Ateneo de Manila University with a decisive 3-1 victory in the Season 87 Final on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

This title marked the Fighting Maroons’ 10th championship in the league, solidifying their status as the winningest squad in the sport.

Anthea Gonzalez showcased her confidence, contributing two critical wins that propelled UP to its first title since their three-peat from Seasons 77 to 79. This victory also marks the season host’s first title of the year.

Gonzalez – who was later named Most Valuable Player – began the match with a commanding performance, defeating Maxene Olango, 21-5, 21-7.

She then teamed up with her senior, Kimberly Lao, to secure the championship by overcoming Olango and Feeby Ferrer in a hard-fought doubles match, finishing 21-19, 21-19.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

“All of us sacrificed to win this championship – the coaches, the players. They all gave their hearts to get this championship, because they haven’t gotten it in a long time,” said first-year UP head coach Ariel Magnaye.

“Everyone worked hard for this, so maybe this is their reward.”

Ateneo’s reigning MVP, Mika De Guzman, struck first for the Blue Eagles.

She battled through a grueling 97-minute match against fellow 32nd SEA Games bronze medalist Susmita Ramos, ultimately winning 18-21, 21-8, 23-21.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

However, this marked the last hurrah for Ateneo’s five-peat bid, as Ramos bounced back in the doubles match.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Ramos – who had been undefeated in singles prior to this final – ensured that she and her partner Dianne Libaton protected their perfect doubles record.

The junior-rookie duo fended off De Guzman and Althea Ocampo, 21-13, 21-19, setting up the clinching victory for UP.

“The consistency and the relationship they have built in what they do, if it is still there, I think they can get it again next season. Because their relationship has become stronger, it’s really solid,” said Magnaye, a former champion himself with both University of Santo Tomas and National University, as he reflected on his team’s chances of going back-to-back.

Ocampo of Ateneo was named Rookie of the Year.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Meanwhile, the NU Lady Bulldogs captured their third consecutive bronze medal after the pandemic, defeating University of Santo Tomas 3-0.

Jeya Pinlac and Andrian Songcuan completed their season unscathed as they defeated UST seniors Rhafi Anne Santos and Jennifer Saladaga 18-21, 21-8, 21-1

Ysabel Amora and Karyll Rio also delivered tight wins in the singles rubbers, with Amora outlasting Katrina Vitangcol, 21-19, 21-15, while Rio fended off Reshane Nicor, 21-19, 21-16.

The Golden Shuttlers concluded their season in fourth place.