The UST Lady Shuttlers extended their medal drought to 18 seasons after placing outside the podium in UAAP Season 88. It marked the squad’s third consecutive fourth-place finish, coming after a 3-0 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons in the bronze-medal match.
In her first year leading the team, UST head coach Pat Barredo recognized the need to boost recruitment and intensify training after the Lady Shuttlers once again missed out on a medal.
“Magre-recruit ako, tapos double time sa training, and triple time on both kapag nakuha na namin ‘yong bwelo namin,” Barredo told the Varsitarian.
“Proud naman ako sa pinakita nila. Siguro too much lang din ang expectations ko kasi hindi kami ganito sa training. But at least, na-retain naman ‘yong Final Four.”
Barredo, a former national team player from 2008 to 2015, took over the program from Charlie Medina earlier this year.
She guided the squad through several preseason tournaments, including a bronze-medal finish in the 2025 Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championship.
This UAAP season, the team featured a promising young core led by Hanie Mae de Jesus, who shared Rookie of the Year honors with UP’s Bryss Fuggan.
Following the season, the Lady Shuttlers will see the departures of Jen Saladaga, Rhaffi Santos, and Christine Dorrega.
The team closed the tournament with two wins in seven games, securing the fourth-place finish.
“Maganda naman ‘yong pinakita nila. Ang pinaka-kulang lang namin in the tournament ay ‘yong mentality nila,” Barredo said. “Fighting spirit siguro, kulang pa talaga.”
Still, Barredo looks forward, vowing to prepare more rigorously next season and build on the promise shown in her first year at the helm.
“Paghahandaan naman ‘yong next year. Ang nangyari kasi ngayon ay nag-adjust ang mga players sa training program. Naninibago pa talaga lahat,” she said.
