UP seeks badminton title

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines inched closer to a perfect season with a 3-2 squeaker over defending women’s champion Ateneo in the UAAP Season 77 badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall last Sunday.

Jessie Francisco nipped Dia Magno, 21-18, 24-22, in the deciding singles which turned out to be the clincher for the Lady Maroons.

UP seeks to put an end to its 14-year title drought with another victory in Game 2 today at 1 p.m. The Lady Maroons hold the thrice-to-beat advantage for sweeping the seven-game eliminations.

The Lady Eagles opened the tie with reigning MVP Bianca Carlos edging Paula Bernardo, 21-11, 21-23, 21-16, in the first singles.

Mary Ann Maranon beat Trixie Malibiran, 21-18, 21-16, in the second singles to give UP its first win before Ateneo regained the lead with Magno and Carlos fashioning out a 21-17, 21-13 triumph over Francisco and Maria Elisha Ongcuangco in the first doubles.

The Lady Maroons then dragged the Lady Eagles to decider after Maranon and Mary Ann Caculitan defeated Malibiran and Cass Lim in the second doubles, 21-15, 9-21, 21-14.?