Five-time champion National University (NU) fended off the challenge of rival University of the Philippines (UP), 4-1, to clinch a Final Four berth in the Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s badminton tournament yesterday at Centro Atletico Badminton Center.

With the win, the Bulldogs remain unscathed after 47 consecutive ties.

Going into the day, the Bulldogs knew that they are in for a dogfight, but faced it head on.

“We prepared the lineup to match their firepower,” said NU captain Keeyan Gabuelo.

“We were ready whoever they will field. We were ready for battle.”

UP drew the first blood after captain JM Bernardo dealt Gabuelo his first-ever singles loss in the UAAP in a thriller, 17-21, 21-17, 21-13.

But rookie Solomon Padiz Jr. leveled the pairing after taking down Michael Clemente, 21-17, 21-13, in the following singles match.

The first doubles match between Bernardo and Harvey Tungul of UP and NU rookies James Villarante and Julius Villabrille was tight, but in the end, the Bulldogs prevailed, 21-18, 14-21, 21-15.

Gabuelo recovered in the second doubles match as he and Padiz stopped the comeback of Jason Vanzuela and Vinci Manuel in two grueling sets, 22-20, 21-19, to keep the streak going.