National team standouts Mika de Guzman and Chanelle Lunod led Ateneo de Manila University in setting its three-peat bid to motion in an emphatic 5-0 clubbing of Adamson University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s badminton tournament at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Quezon City on Sunday.
Blue Eagles skipper De Guzman made quick work of Patricia Timosa, 21-10, 21-12, in the first singles match before reigning two-time Most Valuable Player Lunod crushed Althea Bartolazo, 21-9, 21-6, in the second singles pairing.
The duo of Jellene de Vera and Missy Cervantes clinched the win for Ateneo after hurdling Ivy Plata and Camille Buagas, 21-19, 21-10, in the first doubles match.
“Our goal this year is to play our best in every game that we play, and of course to defend the crown as well,” De Guzman shared.
“In addition to that, improving ourselves is the most important thing this season.”
De Guzman teamed up with Feeby Ferrer in the second doubles match to take down the Lady Falcons, 21-11, 21-12.
Jochelle Alvarez completed the sweep in the final singles match after Adamson’s Camille Buagas was forced to retire due to cramps during the set break following the Atenean’s 21-15 win in the first set.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines and De La Salle University defeated their foes in their respective ties.
The Fighting Maroons walloped National University, 4-1, while the Lady Green Shuttlers carved out a 4-1 decision over University of Santo Tomas.
Rookie Anthea Gonzalez upset national squad stalwart Sarah Barredo, 23-21, 17-21, 21-17, in a marathon one-hour, 46-minute second singles match for a 2-0 UP lead.
National team members Lea Inlayo and Susmita Ramos won it for the Fighting Maroons with a 21-11, 21-15 beating of Jeya Pinlac and Ysabel Amora in the first doubles match.
Mia Manguilimotan, on the other hand, starred for La Salle as she swept her matches in the tie.
The sophomore opened the day with a 21-16, 21-16 domination of Tigress Charlize Belen in the first singles, and then paired with Viana Antonio in clinching the tie victory with a 21-23, 21-9, 21-15, win over Elij Pena and Clara Ignacio.
