Tag: September 17

Defending champions UST Male Shuttlers escaped past a rookie-laden National University (NU) squad, 3-2, in their semifinal match at the Rizal Badminton Hall last September 12 to book a hard-earned championship berth in the Season 73 badminton hostilities.
“I was expecting more from my players since they were playing against a team (NU) with a roster full of rookies,” coach Noli Cajefe said.

Season 71 Rookie of the Year R-Jay Ormilla drew first blood, drubbing NU’s Jayson Oba-ob in the first singles game, 21-18, 21-15.

But NU got back with Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player candidate Ariel Magnaye, who was recovering from flu, yielding to the steel-nerved Joper Escueta, 21-12, 21-10.

FOURTH running UST Lady Tigresses ravaged past the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 72-68, last September 11 at the Arena in San Juan, as they hang on dearly to their Final Four bid with a 7-5 record.

Assistant coach Elie Chua said that the UST cagebelles stayed strong and kept pushing to the last minute to grab the win.

“They (Tigresses) did not give up to the end. They just kept playing hard even though they struggled to make the shots,” Chua said.

Ann Leonardo led the charge for the Tigresses with her steady layups that kept the Espana-based hoopbelles within striking distance, 42-45, with four minutes left in the third period. Leonardo, the only player of UST who scored in double digits, topscored for the Tigresses with 26 points.