Ateneo Blue Eagles Conquer NU to Claim UAAP Season 89 Women’s Badminton Team Title

Ateneo Secures UAAP Season 89 Women’s Badminton Crown Over National University

The Ateneo de Manila University captured the inaugural University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s badminton team event championship on October 28, 2026. Playing at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City, the Blue Eagles defeated the National University Lady Bulldogs 3–1 to claim the gold medal and earn 15 points in the standings.

The victory provides Ateneo an early advantage in the race for the overall collegiate title, which will factor in results from upcoming individual competitions. The tournament awards its overall championship on November 3 based on accumulated points across team, singles, and doubles events.

How the Championship Tie Unfolded Match by Match

National University drew first blood when captain Sab Amora defeated Arkeexa Ojera in straight sets, 21-5, 21-5, in just 22 minutes. Ateneo team captain Althea Ocampo leveled the tie in the second singles rubber by outlasting Karyll Rio 21-15, 20-22, 21-12 over a 58-minute battle.

Ateneo took a 2-1 lead when Daena Castro and Andrea Hernandez overcame Hailene Diaz and Naomi Gulpani in the first doubles match. After dropping the opening set 12-21, the Blue Eagles rebounded to take the next two sets 21-18 and 21-10 in a 77-minute encounter.

The championship-clinching victory came in the second doubles match. Angel Valle and Althea Hernandez bounced back from a first-set loss to defeat Tia Bualat and Lee-Anne De Leon 14-21, 21-19, 21-8. After turning the tide in a tightly contested second game, the Ateneo pair built an 11-2 cushion in the third set before sealing the match point.

Standings and What Lies Ahead in Season 89

With the team event concluded, Ateneo sits atop the standings with 15 points, followed by National University with 12 points. The University of the Philippines secured the team bronze and 10 points after sweeping Adamson University 3-0, while Adamson trails with eight points. The University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University rounded out the team standings with six and four points respectively.

“I am very happy right now na napakita naming pwede rin naming gawin na kahit wala na si ate Mika (De Guzman),” Ocampo said after the match. “Knowing na noong andyan si ate Mika, may one point na agad. But ngayon, mahirap pero sobrang worth it.”

The Blue Eagles turn their attention to the individual event, aiming to extend their run in Season 89 before the league awards the overall championship on November 3.