Tiger Male Shuttlers whip Blue Eagles, secure final four spot

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Shuttlers took split wins against the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 80 badminton tournament on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

The Male Shuttlers has booked their spot in the final four after dominating over the Blue Eagles, 5-0, while the Female Shuttlers took a heavy beating from the same rival, 0-5.

“Hindi na kami maglalaro para makapasok sa Final Four kasi ang Ateneo at La Salle ang napunta sa dulo. Sobrang bihira na ma 5-0 ang Ateneo," UST head coach RJ Ormilla said. "NU (National University) lang ang kayang gumawa nun sa kanila, so hindi ko rin talaga ineexpect na ganun ‘yung lalaruin ng mga players ko. Kumbaga, ang ganda ng nilaro nila.”

UST’s John Edgar Reyes, Cris Sanchez, and John Paul Yabut swept all single events, while the tandem of Kristian Barrios and Juan Miguel Santiago triumphed in the doubles, 21-12, 25-23.

“Napakaganda ng nangyari. Ang hiniling ko lang sa mga players, sa mga lalaki ko, eh makabangon lang kami. Sa nangyari, bangon na bangon na kami, dilat na dilat pa,” he said.

John Edgar Reyes and Jan Mark Sotea, both on their last playing year, also managed to seal the first doubles match, 21-23, 21-16, 21-19.

Female Shuttlers Maria Victoria Vizmonte, Venice Panotes, and Elizabeth Pimentel lost in all singles event, giving ADMU an easy win, 0-5.

The Male Shuttlers will have the semifinals on Oct. 8 at the same venue.