The NU men’s team reclaimed the throne. The UP women’s team dethroned the reigning champs. Here’s how the UAAP Season 87 badminton tournament finals went down.
The UAAP Season 87 badminton tournament culminated yesterday, October 30, as National University (NU) triumphed in the men’s division while the University of the Philippines (UP) claimed victory in the women’s, both teams showcasing their prowess in thrilling showdowns.
NU has historically exhibited dominance in badminton, and after narrowly missing the championship in UAAP Season 86, they were determined to reclaim their status. The team fiercely battled through the tournament and decisively defeated Ateneo de Manila University with a 3-0 scoreline in an electrifying final.
Lanz Zafra, an accomplished player with a background in the national team pool, played a pivotal role in securing the championship for NU. He joined forces with Nestojan Tapales in a gripping doubles match, where they faced off against Ateneo’s formidable duo, Arthur Salvado Jr. and Lance Vargas. The match extended for a grueling 70 minutes before Zafra and Tapales emerged victorious.
With this remarkable win, NU proudly added their ninth overall badminton championship to their storied history.
“Talagang pinaghandaan kasi namin ‘to. Tapos meron pa kaming mga galing ng injuries. Before, ‘yung kay Mark [Velasco] before. So, masayang-masaya kami. Kami talaga ang pinaka-masaya ngayon kasi talagang nabalik namin ang korona sa Jhocson,” expressed NU head coach Jaime Llanes, reflecting on their intense preparation and jubilation in reclaiming the title.
In recognition of his exceptional performance throughout the tournament, Zafra was honored as the Most Valuable Player. Notably, UP’s Shan Clar was also celebrated as Rookie of the Year.
In the women’s finals, UP delivered a stunning performance, defeating Ateneo De Manila University with a score of 3-1 and thwarting their ambition for a fifth consecutive title.
Anthea Gonzalez shone brightly in the finals, later receiving the accolade of Most Valuable Player of the tournament. In the initial match, she overwhelmed Ateneo’s Maxene Olango with a staggering score of 21-5, 21-7. Gonzalez further solidified her team’s victory by teaming up with Kimberly Lao, and together they clinched the championship with a nail-biting 21-19, 21-19 win against Olango and her partner, Feeby Ferrer.
This latest triumph marks UP’s 10th championship within the league, solidifying their status as the winningest badminton team in UAAP history.
“Lahat kami nag-sacrifice para makamit tong kampeonato na ‘to, ‘yung mga coaches, mga players. Lahat sila binigay ‘yung puso para makuha nila ‘tong championship na ‘to, kasi matagal na nilang hindi nakukuha. Lahat nag-work hard para rito, kaya siguro ito ‘yung reward sa kanila,” reflected UP head coach Ariel Magnaye, emphasizing the collective effort and sacrifices made by the entire team toward achieving this long-awaited victory.
In terms of individual accolades, Ateneo’s Althea Ocampo was awarded the prestigious Rookie of the Year title.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau.
**Interview with Lanz Zafra, Key Player for NU Badminton Team**
**Editor:** Congratulations on the championship win, Lanz! It must feel incredible to reclaim the title for National University. Can you describe the emotions you felt during the final match against Ateneo?
**Lanz Zafra:** Thank you! It was such an exhilarating experience. We were all really focused and determined to win, especially after coming so close last season. The excitement was palpable both on and off the court. When we won, it felt like all our hard work had finally paid off.
**Editor:** You had an intense doubles match that lasted 70 minutes. What was going through your mind during those crucial moments?
**Lanz Zafra:** It was definitely a challenge. There were times when we thought we might not make it, but Nestojan [Tapales] and I kept reminding each other to stay positive and trust our training. The support from our teammates and coaches also kept us motivated, and we pushed through until the very end.
**Editor:** This championship marks NU’s ninth overall in badminton. What does this victory mean to you and the team?
**Lanz Zafra:** It means so much to us. We’ve worked incredibly hard to get back to this position, especially after dealing with injuries and setbacks along the way. Winning this title demonstrates our resilience and dedication. We’re all really proud to bring the crown back to NU!
**Editor:** Any last thoughts or messages for the fans and supporters?
**Lanz Zafra:** I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the tournament. Your belief in us made a huge difference, and we hope to continue making you proud in the coming seasons! Go, NU!
**Editor:** Thank you, Lanz, and congratulations once again on a fantastic season!
