San Beda University proved why it's one of the powerhouse teams in NCAA badminton as the school punched three finals tickets in the return of the sport after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The San Beda Red Smashers made it to the championship rounds of the team events of the men's, women's, and juniors divisions.
On the men's side, San Beda advanced's Krenz Valeña pulled off a 21-17, 17-19, 21-19 victory against Javier Sison of Mapua University in the singles while Arjay Larazeto and Ramons Santos defeated Mapua duo of Ruby Jon Kagalingan and Daniel Luciano, 21-13, 21-9 to advance.
They will face De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the finals. Benilde previously edged out San Sebastian in their semis bracket.
Meanwhile, San Beda also displayed their ability on the women's side, hurdling an opening game setback where Benilde's Shamtella Amante defeated San Beda's Dana Navarro. Elayssa Mae Morada and Annienna Cruz eked out a 17-21, 21-19, 21-17 doubles win against Benilde's Eliza Navarro and Graciella Etis and Isabella Pollentes carved out a 21-16, 21-11 victory over Arielle Peñaflor in the singles to clinch their place in the finals.
The San Beda Lady Red Smashers will take on San Sebastian Lady Stags in the championship round.
In bid to complete a hat trick, San Beda's juniors squad defeated Benilde in the final four to also reach the championship.
Robert Ramos took the opening game for Benilde opposite San Beda's Angelo Virtucio. But Adrien Villegas and Ace Delas Alas made quick work of the tandem of Vinzon Buenaventura and Miguel Sanchez, 21-10, 21-10, while John Ching pulled off a 21-11, 21-5 triumph against Sean Aniano in the singles to see the Red Smashers' juniors team through to the finals, where they will face San Sebastian.
All NCAA badminton finals games are scheduled for October 25, Wednesday.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
