UP Fighting Maroons dethrone Ateneo for UAAP women's badminton title

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons ended Ateneo de Manila University's reign as UAAP women's badminton champions, securing their tenth title with a 3-1 victory in the Season 87 finals.

Anthea Gonzalez was instrumental in UP's triumph, clinching two crucial wins and later earning the Most Valuable Player award.

Gonzalez initiated her dominant performance by defeating Ateneo's Maxene Olango in a singles match with a score of 21-5, 21-7.

She then partnered with Kimberly Lao to secure the championship in a challenging doubles match, overcoming Olango and Feeby Ferrer with scores of 21-19, 21-19.

UP's head coach Ariel Magnaye attributed the championship to the collective sacrifice and hard work of the players and coaches.

Ateneo's bid for a fifth consecutive championship was hampered despite a strong opening win from their MVP, Mika De Guzman, against UP's Susmita Ramos in a lengthy singles match.

De Guzman's victory was the sole win for Ateneo, as Ramos later contributed to UP's success in the doubles match.