By: Romeo Braceros Jr.

Photo: Angelo Rosales

National University shuttlers once again dominated the University Athletic Association of the Philippines' men's badminton competition.

The star-studded Bulldogs completed a perfect season (Season 85) for a seven-peat by blanking Ateneo de Manila University, 3-0, in the Finals at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Cubao, Quezon City. 

This was despite the sport taking a two-year break from the UAAP calendar.

NU dominated the Blue Eagles to earn its sixth straight victory of the year and its 56th consecutive victory in a tie game since 2014.

Veteran national team members Solomon Padiz Jr., and Julius Villabrille won the first doubles match 21-13, 21-10 to give the Bulldogs the victory and the championship.

With a quick victory over Lyrden Laborte in the first singles match (21-13, 21-13), rookie Lanz Zafra gave the Bulldogs the lead sooner.

Ateneo captain, another NU rookie, defeated Arthur Salvado and Mark Anthony Velasco in the second singles match, 21-18, 10-21, 21-14, giving the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead.

Zafra and Bulldogs captain Carlos Padiz Jr. was named the season's co-most valuable players.