Shuttlers end with runner up finish in NCAA 93 seniors and juniors action
October 21, 2017 Tweet3073
The Letran Shuttlers failed to retain their seniors title, settling with a first runner-up finish. Photo by Luis Tamondong.
SEPTEMBER 24 - The Letran Knights and Squires came short in defending their titles, falling to San Beda earlier today in the Finals of the NCAA Season 93 Badminton tournament.
The Knights, who defeated the twice-to-beat Lyceum Pirates in the semifinals, lost in three matches in the final round.
Reigning MVP Mark Sabarre made short work of his opponent in the first singles match, 21 – 14, 21 – 12. The doubles match that followed, however, proved costly to Letran, with Nepthali Pineda and Joma Martinez falling, 15 – 21, 21 – 23. Leo Orsolino was forced into a do-or-die singles bout but he, too, caved in, 15 – 21, 11 – 21, denying the Knights the retention of the Badminton crown.
Sabarre rued the losses, as he, Pineda, and Orsolino are set to graduate already. He said that they faltered in the end.
The previously undefeated Squires met their match in the Red Cubs, who blanked them, 2 - 0.
In an interview with The Lance, head coach Jojo Mance said that he still was proud of the shuttlers’ performance.
“Maganda yung pinakita nila talagang may puso naman kaya lang talaga hindi naming makuha mga break na dapat sa amin,” he said.