DE LA SALLE captured its first women’s title in eight years with a 3-2 conquest of University of the Philippines yesterday in the UAAP Season 80 badminton tournament.
Nicole Albo easily disposed Mary Ann Marañon, 21-10, in the deciding singles to help the Lady Shuttlers capture the best-of-three series, 2-1, at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
Now the second winningest team in the sport, De La Salle annexed its fifth title overall – and the first since 2009.
Poca Alcala defeated Arianne Rivera, 20-22, 18-21, in the opening singles to put the Lady Maroons ahead.
Iyah Sevilla turned back Marina Caculitan, 20-22, 21-12, 21-18, in the second doubles to allow the Lady Shuttlers to level.
De La Salle then took the upper hand, as Isay Leonardo and Albo outlasted Alcala and Jessie Francisco, 21-23, 21-17, 21-16, in the first doubles.
Lea Inlayo and Mary Ann Marañon swept Sevilla and Lindsay Tercias, 21-16, 21-10, in the second doubles to give UP a lifeline.
The defeat ended the Lady Maroons’ three-year reign.
UP, which entered the title round undefeated, lost the opener before tying the series last Thursday with a 3-1 victory.