NU whips La Salle, retains UAAP badminton crown

MANILA, Philippines - National University hammered out a 3-1 win over a gritty De La Salle side to capture its second straight men’s badminton crown in the UAAP Season 78 yesterday.

Roslee Pedrosa and Paul Gonzales found brothers Kenneth and Prince Monterubio a tough nut to crack before escaping with a 18-21, 21-15, 22-20 decision in the second doubles which turned out to be the winning moment for the Bulldogs at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

Unbeaten in 18 ties since last season, NU has won three titles in the last four years, cementing its status as the league’s new power in men’s badminton.

For the second straight season, the Green Archers bagged second place and the Bulldogs’ MVP Peter Magnaye credited their vanquished foes for giving a hard fight in Game 2.

“Masaya kami dahil nagbunga lahat ng pinaghirapan namin,” said the 23-year old Magnaye, who bade goodbye to his collegiate career. “Sobrang ganda ng inilaro ng La Salle, hindi sila bumigay.”

NU drew first blood after Roslee Pedrosa downed Anton Cayanan in the opening singles, 21-11, 21-18.