MANILA – National University Bulldogs captured their fifth consecutive championship title in the UAAP Season 81 badminton after beating University of the Philippines Maroons in the finals’ two games.
Led by Negrense Mike Minuluan – Season 81 Most Valuable Player – the Bulldogs made a 3-0 romp against the Maroons in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals Friday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall. NU also edged UP in the series opener 3-2 last Wednesday.
“This is my playing final year so itinodo ko na para makuha ko iyong goal na five-peat. Ang panalong ito ay para sa National University,” said Minuluan, a native of Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Ros Lee Pedrosa got things going for the Bulldogs as he carved out a 21-17, 21-14 win over JM Bernardo of the Maroons in the opening singles, while Minuluan bested Michael Clemente of UP in the second singles match 21-12, 21-14.
Alem Palmares, a native of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, teamed up with Alvin Morada in beating the Maroons’ pair of Betong Pineda and Harvey Tungul 21-15, 21-17 to seal the championship.
Meanwhile Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles capped a Cinderella run by capturing their fourth women’s title – their first in five years – with a 3-0 sweep of the UP Lady Maroons.
The Lady Eagles’ Chanelle Lunod cruised to a 21-19, 14-21, 21-16 victory over Poca Alcala in the first singles, while teammate Samantha Ramos rallied from a set down to dispose of Jessie Francisco 16-21, 21-17, 21-16 in the second singles.
Lunod and Geva de Vera, who were awarded as co-tournament MVPs, dominated Leah Inlayo and Mary Ann Marañon 21-13, 21-8 in the first doubles to seal the title for Ateneo./PN
