MANILA, Philippines - Reigning titlist champion University of the Philippines pulled off a 3-2 squeaker over Ateneo last Sunday to make a return trip to the finals of the UAAP Season 78 women’s badminton.
The Lady Eagles were on track of derailing the Lady Maroons’ sweep after taking a 2-1 lead in a rematch of last year’s title duel at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
UP struggled early in the tie as Season 77 Rookie of the Year Mary Ann Marañon was forced to forfeit her second singles match due to back pains, giving former MVP Bianca Carlos the victory.
The Lady Maroons stormed back as Paola Bernardo and Elisa Concuangco prevailed in the second doubles match against Carlos and Cass Lim, 21-18, 21-18.
Lea Inlayo, who paired with reigning MVP Jessie Francisco in a narrow 14-21, 21-8, 20-22 22-20 loss to Janel Dihiansan and Java de Vera in the first doubles, got some sort of revenge the third singles match by beating Dihiansan, 21-8, 22-20, to seal the Finals slot for UP.
By sweeping all of their seven ties in the qualifying rounds, the Lady Maroons will hold the thrice-to-beat incentive in the title round. UP is unbeaten in 16 ties dating back from last season.
With the setback, Ateneo slipped to third spot with a 5-2 card.
De La Salle ended its campaign with a 6-1 slate following a 4-1 demolition of Far Eastern University.
The Lady Archers finished second and took the twice-to-beat bonus in the second step-ladder semifinals match. The Lady Eagles and the Lady Tamaraws, who placed fourth in the eliminations with a 4-3 card, will face off in the first step-ladder duel.