THE UST Lady Shuttlers yielded to the UP Fighting Maroons, 4-1, for their third straight loss in the UAAP Season 88 women’s badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Badminton Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The Lady Shuttlers dropped to 0-3, while the Fighting Maroons improved to 3-0 to top the standings.
Despite winning the opening set, Hanie de Jesus faltered against UP’s Anthea Marie Gonzales in the first singles matchup, 15-21, 21-12, 21-11.
Christine Dorega then fell to UP’s Brys Fuggan, 21-16, 21-12, in the second singles matchup.
Jennifer Saladaga and Rhafi Santos pulled one back in the first doubles matchup after besting Krissa de Leon and Angelique Ramos, 21-19, 21-16.
However, Dorega and Marielle Alvarez fell to UP’s Gonzales and Kimberly Lao in the second doubles match, 21-17, 21-11, ultimately allowing the Fighting Maroons to take home the win.
In the last singles match, UP’s Ramos took down UST’s Saladaga, 21-5, 21-11.
“(Naging) prepared naman sila physically, pero emotionally (and) mentally, may mga lackings lang talaga sila,” UST assistant coach John Paul Yabut told the Varsitarian. “Talagang kulang or medyo hindi pa sila mentally tough enough para maka-overcome ‘yong pressure ng laban.”
“Siguro next game baka magkaroon ng changes sa lineup in terms of partnership, and kung sino ‘yong mga nasa singles.”
The Lady Shuttlers will look to put themselves in the winning column as they go up against the Ateneo Blue Eagles tomorrow, Oct. 16, at the same venue. Kurt Russel Vincent Miranda
