THE UST Tiger Shuttlers clinched their first triumph of the season over the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 4-1, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s badminton tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Gameville Central Park.
UST improved to a 1-3 record, while Adamson remained winless at 0-4.
UST’s Aaron Bedaña began the day by dispatching Adamson’s Steveric Muring in straight sets, 21-12, 21-16, to give his team the early advantage.
Despite multiple deadlocks throughout the second set, including a 16-all tie, Bedaña notched five consecutive points to put the Shuttlers ahead, 1-0.
However, Clark Justin Brillantes was not able to keep the run going, as an apparent medical issue forced him to retire on the second set of his match against John Vincent Saturinas, ending their bout at 21-6, 11-3, tying both teams up at 1-1.
The España duo of Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor retaliated in the first doubles match against Nathan Acedillo and Eur Cabanducos, taking both sets at 23-21, 21-6 to put the Tigers in match point.
The tandem of John Vincent Espinoza and Manuel Fulmentera then made quick work of San Marcelino’s Kyrik Roldan and Carl Cantalejo, 21-13, 22-20, to secure their first win of the season.
Team captain Ivan Tuazon put on the finishing touches of a dominant UST win in the final singles game against Justine Albalate, withstanding a 21-11, 21-19 challenge to formally claim the victory.
UST will look to finish their campaign strong against the DLSU Green Shuttlers on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the same venue. F
