The Green and Lady Shuttlers shared the same fate in UAAP season 74, but they are now ready to pull a breakaway in season 75.
“Even though we didn’t go far up to the championships, we were able to have a place [3rd] that still contributed to elevate DLSU’s rank in the overall championships,” said Lady Shuttler Danica San Ignacio.
Despite managing to stay on top of the standings in the eliminations, the Shuttlers only finished 2nd runner-up.
Both squads had a twice to beat advantage, heading into the semifinals, but the two failed to jump to the finals after the Men’s squad yielded to ADMU and their Lady counterparts fell on the hands of the UE Lady Warriors.
This year, the Shuttlers are targeting the team’s missed opportunity last season.
“The last UAAP was the season for self-discovery, trust and confidence. Though the team did not make it to the championships last season, it taught us how to gain confidence and trust,” said Lady Shuttler Captain Gelli Ramos.
During the off-season, both squads tested their skills in different tournaments to prepare for tougher competition in the UAAP.
The Shuttlers joined several tournaments, which include the Equiparco Cup Badminton Tournament, Battle of Badminton Supremacy, PBaRS Cebu Leg, POC-PSC National Games, and the Ming Ramos Cup Badminton Tournament.
Ramos also explained that over the summer, the team has developed vital ingredients to make a champion team. She shared that they have learned to communicate better, gain more confidence, and strengthen their skills.
She also pointed out, however, the team’s lapses, especially in discipline and punctuality.
After seeing the holes in the team’s lineup, the squad tapped Kristelle Salatan, Aires Montilla, Janine Paligrino, Elijah Boac, and Carlos Cayanan.
The Green Shuttlers will return to action with last season’s Most Improved Player JC Clarito and Rookie of the Year Gerald Sibayan together with holdovers Ronel Estanislao, Kenneth Monterubio, Lance Bautista and Allen Del Mundo.
In the distaff side, former top rookie Danica Bolos with mainstays Danica Peligrino, Flo Lamigo, Ramos and San Ignacio will power the Lady Shuttlers’ season bid.
The squad sees ADMU as the team to beat in both the men’s and women’s division; NU and FEU also pose a threat.
“Our team will fully commit ourselves to train as hard as we can, to always play and act at our best in and outside of the court, to never give up on one another , to embrace and value hardships and work our way all the way to win the championships,” Ramos ends.
