UAAP: DLSU Shuttlers strive for redemption in UAAP Season 79

Despite consistently making it to the Final Four, it has been six seasons since the Lady Shuttlers last won the title in Season 72. On the other hand, the Green Shuttlers have been itching to take back the crown after falling short for the past two years, ending up as the first runners-up in consecutive seasons. This year, both teams have undertaken the necessary preparations and adjustments, with hopes of finally making it to the top of the podium.

A glimpse of last year’s performance

Dominant victories allowed the Green Shuttlers to finish the elimination round with a 6-1 record, losing only to the eventual champions, the NU Bulldogs. Their semifinals game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles was a long and grueling battle. Nevertheless, the Green-and-White managed to snag a spot in the finals. However, in the finals match, NU showed them their winning ways, and managed to end the Green Shuttlers campaign with a first runner-up finish.

Likewise, the Lady Shuttlers proved their potential to be champions for the season as they defeated NU, ADMU, UST, and AdU. A lone loss against the UP Lady Maroons placed them in the second seed to give them a twice-to-beat advantage, similar to the Green Shuttlers.

However, in the semifinals, the Ateneo Lady Eagles dealt them two consecutive defeats, which put them out of the championship run. They finished the season in third place, an improvement from their fourth place finish in Season 77.

The beginning of a new season

The Green Shuttlers will enter Season 79 without their former team captain EJ Boac and veteran Shuttler Gerald Sibayan. Similarly, the Lady Shuttlers will go on without Nicole Albo, who will sit out due to an untimely injury.

Under such circumstances, Head Coach Owen Lopez has decided to focus on fixing the doubles pairings and their singles lineup. “So nag-adjust na kami agad kung paano yung situation,” Lopez says.

Even with these minor adjustments, Lopez believes that both teams can overcome the challenges they will face by focusing on one game at a time. “Kung alin lang yung kalaban namin today, this coming Saturday, yun lang muna. Huwag muna nating isipin yung susunod kasi baka mamaya maguluhan,” he explains.

Lopez also expects all the other teams to go all out, emphasizing UP and Ateneo as contenders this season. Nonetheless, he expects the best from his players, especially with all the training and sacrifices they have been through.

Furthermore, Lopez also stresses the importance of support between the team members as it is a team competition, especially with some of their members already in their last playing year.

Despite the potential challenges that the Green and Lady Shuttlers may face this upcoming season, Lopez looks at the competition with an optimistic and confident outlook. According to him, with the a strong mindset, they can achieve great things this season as long as everyone does their part well while enjoying the season.

The Green Shuttlers opened the season earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex with a win against the FEU Tamaraws. Likewise, the Lady Shuttlers also won their first matchup against FEU in the same venue earlier today.

The Green and Lady Shuttlers will face the UP Fighting Maroons in the same venue, tomorrow, at 8 am and 1 pm, respectively.