SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY wrapped up the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 Badminton Championship in commanding fashion, with the Lady Red Smashers seizing a second straight women’s crown and the Red Smashers repeating their first runner-up finish last December 12 at the Arellano University (AU) Gym.
The Lady Red Smashers wasted no time asserting their dominance, beginning with a gritty singles showdown between Melody Galicia and San Sebastian College–Recoletos’ (SSC-R) Khea Motenez. Galicia opened the match with composure and sharp shot placement, taking the first game, 21–15. SSC-R answered back in the second, 14–21, forcing a deciding game.
Refusing to yield, Galicia raised the tempo in the final frame, capitalizing on extended rallies to close out the match, 21–17, and secure a crucial win for San Beda.
Momentum carried into doubles, where Angel Zamora and Johnelle Red delivered a commanding performance against SSC-R’s Julliana Gonzaga and Wishes Gacho.
The San Beda duo came out blazing, dismantling their opponents, 21-4, in the opening tie with sharp net control. SSC-R answered back in the second set, but Zamora and Red stood firm to edge out a 23-21 final set and seal the Lady Red Smashers’ championship sweep.
On the men’s side, Joaquin Pollentes and Krenz Vallena set the tone early against the Benilde Blazing Shuttlers.
After edging out a tight first game, 21–19, the Red Smashers tightened their defense and maintained control in the second, closing it out at 21–17 to secure the match in straight sets.
In the singles, Razzel Ching narrowly dropped the opening set, 21–23, to Christian Selga of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, before clawing back in the second with a gritty 22–20 win in a tense back-and-forth battle.
In the deciding third set, Selga surged ahead early and closed out the match, 21–11, relegating the Red Smashers to a first runner-up finish in the men’s division.
In an interview with The Bedan, Head Coach Ronald Magnaye underscored the importance of mental toughness, particularly in high-stakes matches.
“Physically, our players are very equipped. We have to work on the mental aspect of the game. Kasi ‘yun ang pumatay sa amin for the last two seasons,” he said.
Magnaye also praised the women’s discipline in closing out matches, emphasizing that focus must remain until the final point. “Until the 21 points, you never stop competing. You never stop winning. Hindi pwedeng relax na kayo.”
Assistant Coach Philip Francisco echoed the significance of confidence and psychological readiness, crediting guidance and belief as key factors behind the Lady Red Smashers’ successful title defense.
“Back-to-back title sila ngayong taon, but the journey doesn’t end here. We will never stop chasing ‘yung title ng three-peat naman for the next year,” he said.
Looking ahead, he stressed that stronger team cohesion will be vital. “The more bonded the team is, the more eager sila manalo. We need to keep the team tight every step of the way para makuha namin ung title.”
Melody Galicia was hailed Most Valuable Player in the women’s division, while Angel Zamora captured both Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. Francisco, meanwhile, was named Coach of the Year in the women’s division.
(With Rozetti Jena De Leon)