Mandaluyong City:De La Salle University emerged victorious against the University of the Philippines with a 3-2 win in the UAAP Season 89 men's badminton team event eliminations at Gameville Central Park.
According to Philippines News Agency, this victory marks La Salle's first win over UP since Season 82 in 2019, significantly improving their chances of reaching the semifinals for the second consecutive season. Both teams now hold a 2-2 win-loss record as they approach the final day of eliminations.
Joshua Miguel Cuarte played a pivotal role for La Salle, securing the win by defeating UP's Josh Dupet with scores of 21-19, 21-16. Cuarte expressed pride in his team's perseverance through challenges, including illnesses and personal commitments at the start of the season. He also noted the team's collective effort and the satisfaction of finally overcoming past near-wins against UP.
Lovic Javier contributed to La Salle's success by defeating MJ Amerodin, 21-19, 21-10. Additionally, the duo of Rey Nier Dalimo-Os and Aj Lorenz Jurada secured a win against Kian Cruz and Joshua Martinez, 18-21, 21-19, 21-17, giving La Salle an initial 2-0 lead. UP managed to level the score to 2-2 with victories from Shan Clar over Gift Linaban and the pair of Arjay Lazareto and Ryan Mendoza against Karl Contreras and Zaki Layno.
In other matches, National University achieved its fourth win by defeating Ateneo de Manila University, 5-0. Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas claimed a 4-1 victory over Adamson University, marking their entry into the win column.
