Lady Blazers remain queens of NCAA badminton

College of Saint Benilde demolished Emilio Aguinaldo College, 3-0, to claim a third straight title in the 87th NCAA women's badminton tournament on Thursday at the Powersmash Badminton Center in Makati City. Rookie Nikki Therese Servando, Danica Rueda, Bettina Abrahan and Pam Sargan dominated their respective opponents as the Lady Blazers remain the queens of the league's demonstrational sport. "I'm very very happy and proud with the team's accomplishment. Despite, the loss of our top player, Nikki came just right in time and help us achieving this feat. We're mentally and pysically ready and we really prepared for this," said coach Lloyd Escoses. Servando, a freshman culinary arts major, scored an easy 21-2, 21-6 win over Johanna Rose Aganinta in the opening singles. The 17-year-old Bacolod native was named the season Most Valuable Player after winning all of her 14 matches. Rueda and Abrahan followed suit as the CSB pair posted a 21-15, 21-10 triumph over EAC's Mikka Molina and Joyce Castro. Sargan thrashed Regine Dominguez, 21-7, 21-4, to complete the Lady Blazers' title sweep. "I never expected this. I just try to develop my game under coach (Lloyd) Escoses. I just try my best in every game and I want to thank my teammates and family for their support and prayers," said Servando, a four-time Palarong Pambansa champion. St. Benilde also claimed the boys' team title beating Letran, 2-1, while EAC edged Arellano, 2-1, to claim the men's crown. — JVP, GMA News