NU cops UAAP badminton title

MANILA, Philippines -  National University capped a dominating men’s badminton campaign with a 3-0 decision against La Salle yesterday in the UAAP Season 77 Finals at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

The Bulldogs won their second championship in three seasons, winning all nine ties this year.

Joper Escueta, who bagged his second MVP title, set the tone for the rout with a 21-11, 21-11 romp over EJ Boac in the opening singles, while Peter Magnaye fashioned out a 21-18, 21-17 victory over John Kenneth Monterubio in the second singles.

Escueta and Magnaye then teamed up to beat Carlos Cayanan and Gerald Sibayan, 21-8, 21-10, in the first doubles, giving NU the series win.

Bulldogs newcomer Alvin Morada took home the Rookie of the Year honors, while mentor Jojo Mance clinched the Coach of the Year plum.

La Salle dethroned Ateneo in the stepladder semifinals to forge a title duel with NU. The Archers also lost 0-3 to the Bulldogs in last Wednesday’s opener.