UAAP Season 81 Preview: DLSU Green and Lady Shuttlers

Redemption and retention. That’s the goal for the Shuttlers of the Green and White as they enter the 81st season of the UAAP with high hopes.

For the DLSU Green Shuttlers, it’s a time to reclaim lost victory as they finished 5th  last year, while the DLSU Lady Shuttlers took home the crown, finishing at the top spot of the league and looking to repeat this time around.

Looking Back

Season 80’s “Go For Great” has been the battle cry for both the Green and Lady Shuttlers, but even though the teams ended their season campaigns differently, there are still some silver linings to take away. Despite the Green Shuttlers falling out of a podium finish, Team Captain Iyah Sevilla is nothing but proud of her Green and Lady Shuttler teammates.

“What I can say is that we didn’t easily give up last year.” Iyah Sevilla adds, “Our opponents fought us hard, but we fought back harder, and we really relied on each other.”

From finishing third place back in Season 79, the Lady Shuttlers gave a good fight and regain their redemption, entering the finals and winning the championship last season.  Veteran Shuttler Iyah Sevilla was grateful for her teammates. “It was really a collaborative effort that brought the crown back to Taft.”

Pre-Season Preparations

The preseason was a preparation for adjustment and conditioning for the Taft-based Shuttlers after their seniors had played out their eligibility, rookies coming in and of course, defending the crown.

The Green and White prepared themselves not only physically but also mentally. “We did team sessions and I think it helped us to prepare our minds and hearts to perform this season,” Sevilla said.

Entering a new season, Sevilla also shared some challenges they had been encountered while preparing for a team that’s relatively younger than most. “I think we had difficulties when it comes to adjusting the partnerships because almost all of us, especially the rookies, are new”, Sevilla said.

Asking her about what she thinks they might encounter throughout Season 81, “Throughout the season naman, I still can’t say kasi it still hasn’t happened yet.” She adds, “but I have faith in my team na we can overcome whatever struggle this season has for us.”

Preseason was a time for sacrifices, but  team captain Sevilla is thankful for the progression it has brought to the teams. She ended it by saying, “I’m proud that everyone in the team worked and sacrificed a lot in preparation for the tournament.”

What to Expect

This UAAP Season 81, the Green Shuttlers are looking forward to improving their last season finish while the Lady Shuttlers are looking to defend their title and aim for a back-to-back championship. Sevilla said that they are not expecting anything yet. She adds, “We all are aware of how tough it’s going to be. But as I was saying, I believe in each and everyone in our team na ibibigay nila yun best nila to win the game.”

Catch the Green Shuttlers as they open their season 81 campaign against the UST Growling Tigers on September 24, Monday and the Lady Shuttlers in their first game of the tournament against ADMU Lady Eagles on September 27, Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex – Badminton Courts.

Make sure to go out and support our very own Shuttlers! Animo!