THE CHAMPIONSHIP came when they least expected it.
Placing fourth in the eliminations, the chances of the UST Male Shuttlers seizing the title were probably next to nil. But with a surprise entry to the Finals and a pulsating 3-2 win against De La Salle University, they proved that anything could happen.
Such was the story of last season and for coach Noli Cajefe, he would prefer the same underdog seeding going into this year’s UAAP tournament. After all, he will no longer have the services of MVP Paulo Dawal, who graduated last March.
But here are the Male Shuttlers, defending the title with some serious handicap, a challenge Cajefe is most willing to take on.
“[I told the team to] just fight. It’s much better if we are not in the forecast and then come out as champions,” he said. “That’s what happened last year. I am not expecting, since my number one player (Dawal) graduated.”
Another bad news for the team came as senior players Francisco Magnaye and Renz Vivas were deemed ineligible to play in the UAAP due to academic deficiency.
Badminton siblings Francisco and Peter Magnaye are one of the Philippine’s top doubles players. But this team-up is unlikely to be seen since the older Magnaye will be out this UAAP season.
“They (Magnaye brothers) already have solid connections. It’s too bad they cannot play. Another solid doubles team-up was also supposed to play but one player (Vivas) is also not allowed to play,” said Cajefe.
But all is not lost for UST as Cajefe still has the leadership of veterans RJ Ormilla and Salvador Kapunan, the only seniors left in the team and promising rookie Magnaye. With the three of them leading the way, Cajefe expects nothing short of a Final Four finish.
“If only all of my players could play, it would be a sure win. But with the lack of singles and doubles player, it’s doubtful that we can retain the championship. What is important is that we won’t be out of the Final Four,” he said.
The Female Shuttlers have obstacles of their own. Two years detached from their last championship, the team is hungry for another title.
But Cajefe knows the road to the crown is an arduous one, considering that the squad remains “under construction” and still lacking enough power players. Last year’s campaign was disastrous for the Female Shuttlers. It was the first time that they failed to enter the Final Four.
“For me, it doesn’t matter much if we don’t make it as champions,” said Cajefe, “What is important is that we won’t be out of the Final Four. I’ve experienced it and it was hard.”
Team captain Chona Medina and Camille Yang will be UST frontliners this year, along with two rookies who could hopefully crash top contenders De La Salle and University of the East.
To keep opponents guessing, Cajefe decided not to join any off-season tournament. But the team’s rigorous training did not cease with their drills on weekdays and practice games on weekends along with core and weight training. Cajefe introduced to the team Theraband and Theratube regimens, which are quite similar to their weight training but with the use of lighter equipment. Frauleine Michelle S. Villanueva
