Summary
Highlights
Ateneo's Ramos and Fentespina demonstrate strong defense and strategic plays, including powerful smashes and drops. Ramos's aggressive yet disciplined play, especially in the backcourt, proves crucial. Ateneo secures a commanding lead, winning the first set 11-6.
Ateneo starts the second set with a 2-0 lead. UP struggles with unforced errors and predictability in their shots. Despite some creative attempts from Deleon, Ateneo maintains control, with Fentespina showcasing quick reflexes at the net and Ramos covering the backcourt effectively. Ateneo extends their lead to 11-4.
Despite Ateneo's cohesive play, UP attempts a comeback, scoring a series of points and narrowing the deficit. Mendoza and Deleon show resilience, finding open spaces and benefiting from some lucky shots and uncharacteristic errors from Ateneo. The game tightens to a two-point difference, putting pressure on Ateneo.
Ateneo regains composure, scoring consecutive points to re-establish a comfortable lead. Strategic play, including a well-placed lift by Ramos, catches UP off guard. Ateneo reaches championship point, with Ramos sealing the victory with a powerful smash, securing Ateneo's first intercollegiate badminton championship.