DLSU Shuttlers aim to bounce back in UAAP 77

With this year’s edition of the UAAP Badminton Tournament taking place soon, the DLSU Green Shuttlers and Lady Shuttlers are looking forward to take another shot for gold after both squads went in opposite directions in the previous season.

For the Green Shuttlers, they failed to make a Final Four appearance after finishing at third place for three straight years from 2010 to 2012. Despite their strong start in last year’s tournament, they fell short in their last two games of the elimination round. Tied for fourth place in the team standings, they faced the UP Maroons in a do-or-die match for the last semifinals berth, which resulted into a loss for the La Salle squad.

On the other hand, the Lady Shuttlers improved to a bridesmaid finish after falling against the ADMU Lady Eagles in the finals. Just like their male counterparts, they shattered their three-year record of being locked at third, as they clinched one of the twice-to-beat advantages approaching the Final Four. A victory against the UP Lady Maroons booked them a finals seat against their long-time rivals, the Lady Eagles. But eventually, the Lady Shuttlers ran out of firepower against the defending champions, dropping both matches in the finals series.

Bouncing back has been the goal for the Green-and-White squad as they aim to make it once more to the Final Four, and hopefully, seize another championship. Learning from their mistakes in the past seasons would help them to perform better and notch the much-needed wins in their upcoming games. Just like any other athletic team, every victory is key in clinching the title and defending DLSU’s General Championship.

Looking to start the season on a positive note, Owen Lopez’s squads have exerted extra effort in their team practices. Even with the departure of some key players, it paved the way for the arrival of the talented rookies who would be the future torchbearers of the teams. Adding the experiences of the veterans and the solidarity of both squads, the Green Shuttlers and the Lady Shuttlers are definitely bound to achieve a great feat in the tournament.

Consistency will play a vital factor in their performance in the coming season after going downhill in the latter parts of the previous one. Gaining momentum at the early stage of the tournament by grabbing victories would help them build their confidence which they can carry on to the crucial matches in the end. At the end of the day, it is all about playing one game at a time for DLSU’s badminton teams.

So far in La Salle’s UAAP badminton history, the Green Shuttlers have accomplished their only championship finish last 2007 while the Lady Shuttlers already have contributed four titles with the most recent one last 2009. Eyeing to add more championships in La Salle’s possession, both teams are raring to go for another successful badminton campaign.

The Green Shuttlers and the Lady Shuttlers kick off their UAAP Season 77 campaign as the badminton competition kicks off on August 9 at the Philippine Sports Commission Badminton Hall, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate.