The UST Lady Shuttlers dropped their season opener against the NU Lady Bulldogs, 4-1, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Badminton Hall on Saturday, Oct. 11.
In the first singles match, Lady Shuttlers rookie Hanie De Jesus fell to NU’s Ysabel Aurora in straight sets, 21-8, 21-17.
UST’s Christine Dorega mounted a strong challenge, taking a set from NU’s Karylle Rio, but ultimately fell in the deciding set, 18-21, 21-10, 21-7.
After NU’s hot 2-0 start in the contest, UST’s pair of Maye Alvarez and Jen Saladaga made quick work of NU’s tandem of Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany, 21-11, 21-11.
In the second doubles match, Dorega and Rhaffi Santos yielded to NU’s Amora and Rio despite winning the opening set, 16-21, 21-17, 21-15.
Reshane Nicor faltered against NU’s Hailene Diaz, 21-15, 21-16, to cap off the match.
“Siguro kanina nabigla ‘yong iba. Siyempre first day and first time, baka kinabahan or na pressure,” UST head coach Pia Barredo told the Varsitarian. “Depende na rin sa player kung paano nila i-a-adapt ‘yong loss na yun para ma-change bukas.”
The Lady Shuttlers look to regroup as they face the Adamson Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the same venue.
