Lady Shuttlers triumph in showdown against UST
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Shuttlers triumphed over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Shuttlers, 4–1 earlier today at the Centro Atletico Badminton Court in Quezon City.
With a competitive match-up ahead, the Green and White never gave in as they fought the Black and Yellow. All Singles matches were won in straight matches by DLSU, while UST was able to nab the first doubles.
The first singles game saw a back-and-forth play in Set 1, but Mia Manguilimotan found her rhythm as the match progressed gaining five straight points by the late game winning at 21–16. The second game was a bit bumpy for Manguilimotan in the early game with UST’s Maria Charlize Belen leading at 4–8 but the Lasallian immediately bounced back and gained a seven-point run and leading the rest of the way to secure the La Salle the first singles, 21–16.
Viana Antonio had the time to shine as she gladly shut down Tigress Rhafi Santos. Antonio won with ease leading 7–1 early and ending strong, 21–18. The second game was closer as Santos gained the upper-hand in the first half of the match, having an eight-point run leaving Antonio at 1–9. The Lady Shuttler slowly, but surely, struck back and tied the game at 20-all, before stealing the match, 22–20.
Contrary to the two singles, the Golden Shuttlers gained the upper-hand in the first doubles match. UST’s Rhafi Santos was out to redeem her previous singles loss with her partner Jennifer Saldaga, and they ceremoniously succeeded. Palma Cruz and Ghiselle Bautista struggled to fight back with the Tigresses roaring for victory from beginning to end bowing down in the first, 15–21. DLSU ld the first half of the second game, but UST crawled back to tie at 13-all. The Golden Shuttlers took advantage of this and swept the Archers from under their feet conquering them, 17–21.
Nevertheless, Manguilimotan and Antonio were more than ready to avenge their teammates by the second doubles match. The first game was a close encounter, reaching deuce at 21-all, but the Lady Shuttlers did not concede to the Tigeresses and secured the first, 23–21. With momentum on their side, the second and third games were a breeze for the Archers who led from start to finish, finishing them at 21–9, 21–5, respectively.
Having lost her doubles match, Bautista made up for it by coming out superior in her singles game. Struggling a bit in the start, Bautista did not allow herself to accept any other loss today. Jennifer Saldaga was overrun by Bautista ending the match, 21–16, 21–19.
Catch the DLSU Lady Shuttlers once more as they battle the NU Lady Bulldogs tomorrow, October 31, 12NN, at the same venue.
