THE UST Lady Shuttlers fell out of Final Four contention after being outmatched by the top-seeded NU Lady Bulldogs, 0-5, in the UAAP Season 89 women’s badminton tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Gameville Central Park.
Their elimination now marks the 19th straight year of their medal drought, last placing on the podium from their Season 70 championship over the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
UST remained winless at 0-4, sitting at the bottom of the standings. Meanwhile, NU remained undefeated with a 4-0 record.
The Lady Shuttlers began the afternoon slow, as Season 88 Rookie of the Year Hanie De Jesus was outclassed by Lady Bulldogs captain Ysabel Amora in their first singles match, 21-18, 21-14, quickly trailing 1-0.
Angelina Vitangcol wasn’t able to fare any better, as NU’s Gweneth Chiva took control in the following match, 21-9, 22-20, to take a commanding 2-0 lead for the Jhocson squad.
Despite efforts from captains Marielle Alvarez and Gabrielle Ainza, the pair ultimately yielded to NU’s Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany in their doubles bout, 11-21, 21-19, 11-21, sealing the Lady Bulldogs’ victory.
Tia Bualat and Lee-Anne De Leon swept the tandem of Harlene Herbabuena and Angelina Racca in the next doubles event, 21-7, 21-11, before Karyll Rio put the exclamation point over Tin Dorega, 21-5, 21-18, finalizing the sweep.
UST will continue to hunt for their first win in their season closer against the DLSU Lady Shuttlers on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the same venue. F
