THE UST Tiger and Lady Shuttlers clinched their first-ever podium finish in the Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships, placing third on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the MIA Badminton Court in Pasay.
UST fell to the eventual champions Ateneo Blue Eagles in the semifinals, 1-3.
“It’s every team’s dream to reach the podium. That’s what I wanted the players to focus on getting there,” UST head coach RJay Ormilla told The Flame.
“But if winning adds too much pressure to the point that they can’t showcase their talent this season, I’d rather accept whatever result comes our way we’ll leave it up to God,” he added.
In the men’s singles opener, UST’s Llenox Cuilao yielded to Ateneo’s Roby Ramos, 9-21, 14-21.
The Blue Eagles doubled their lead after Althea Ocampo swept UST’s Hanie de Jesus in the women’s singles, 21-14, 21-12.
UST broke through when Janzen Panisales and Vincent Espinosa toppled the Ateneo duo of Charles Bagasbas and Allen Penute in the men’s doubles, 21-9, 21-17.
But UST women’s tandem of Marielle Alvarez and Jennifer Saldaga fell short in a three-set thriller against Ateneo’s Angel Valle and Jochelle Alvarez, 21-9, 19-21, 18-21.
Looking ahead to UAAP Season 88, UST remains hungry to end its 13-year finals drought.
“Just watching and coaching them as they reach their full potential is already a big win for us,” Ormilla said.
“All we can do is prepare, and God will do the rest. We’re ready for the blessings to come.”
Ateneo went on to dethrone three-peat champion UP Fighting Maroons to capture the title. Meanwhile, the San Beda Red Lions shared bronze honors with UST. F
