Golden Shuttlers suffer twin defeat in UAAP Opener

by Aaron Brennt Eusebio

The University of Santo Tomas Golden Shuttlers suffered back-to-back losses against the De La Salle University Green Shuttlers and the National University Bulldogs to open the UAAP Season 80 badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Court Thursday.

The Male Shuttlers faltered against the Green Shuttlers, 2–3, while the Lady Bulldogs swept the Female Shuttlers, 5–0.

“Malaking pagkakataon nawala sa amin. Pag nanalo sana kami sa La Salle sure na sana final four namin,” said UST rookie-head coach RJ Armilla.

“Nagkulang sila sa kagustuhang manalo,” he added.

DLSU forced the Male Shuttlers to a fifth set as the tandem of Pipo Barrios and Juan Miguel Santiago succumbed to Andrew Pineda and Joshua Monterubio, 19–21, 14–21.

DLSU’s Cayel Pajarillo dominated Cris Sanches in the fifth game to win the match, 21–17, 21–10.

Male and Female Shuttlers will face the Red Warriors and the Soaring Falcons, respectively, on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the same venue.