Bulldogs, Archers advance to UAAP badminton Final 4

MANILA, Philippines - National University and La Salle booked the first two semifinals berths after beating their respective foes yesterday in the UAAP Season 78 men’s badminton at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

The Bulldogs beat University of the East Warriors, while the Green Archers trounced Far Eastern University, 4-1.

In other ties, Ateneo nipped University of Santo Tomas, 3-2, while University of the Philippines blanked Adamson University, 5-0.

With the victories, the Blue Eagles and the Fighting Maroons are now in joint third with 3-2 slates, further boosting their respective Final Four bids.

Unbeaten in five starts, back-to-back seeking NU and La Salle are on course for a rematch of last year’s championship. Before they cross paths on Sunday, the Bulldogs will take on the Tamaraws, while the Archers clash with the Growling Tigers on Saturday.

Dropping two consecutive ties over the weekend, UST fell to fifth place with a 2-3 slate.

The Falcons and the Red Warriors stumbled to 1-4, while the Tamaraws bowed out of contention with a 0-5 card.

In women’s play Saturday, titleholder UP whitewashed Adamson, 5-0, to stay undefeated in four starts.

La Salle slipped past UST, 3-2, to keep a tie with Ateneo, a 4-1 winner over UE, in second place at 3-1.

FEU outlasted NU, 3-2, in the other tie to gain a share of fourth spot.

The Lady Tamaraws joined the Tigresses at 2-2.