After squandering a twice-to-beat edge last season, the DLSU Lady Tennisters emerged as champion after clawing the UST Netters, 3-2, last February 28 at the Rizal Memorial Center Tennis Courts.
Lady Tennisters Head Coach Taddy Cruz explained, “This year is a good win for us, we really wanted to win last year, and this year we accomplished our goal.”
La Salle’s Regina Santiago received the Finals MVP award while Marinel Rudas received the Rookie of the Year (ROY) honors.
Rudas commented, “It was a nice feeling, we felt like everything we worked hard for was able to return to us.”
An exchange of blows
The Green-and-White Squad marked a strong start in the opening moments of regulation. Santiago quickly drew first blood after routing Len-len Santos, 6-3, 6-1 to grab a 1-0 lead for the Lady Tennisters.
Momentum shifted to the opposition in the second match. La Salle’s duo of Aira Putiz and Lynette Palasan struggled against the UST tandem of Diane Bautista and Jhie Helar leading to a 1-6, 2-6 ending, which tied the set scores at one apiece.
Rookie’s turning point
With the series score jammed, 1-1, Rudas had the daunting task of facing former MVP Macy Gonzales.
Both players displayed an array of smashes in an attempt to gain control over the other. Rudas then pulled an upset as she sealed the deal with a vicious attack against Gonzales to turn the lead in favor of La Salle, 2-1.
Rudas shared, “Of course, I was thinking that I can beat her and there’s no way I’m gonna lose to her.”
Pivotal clincher
After the tandem of Nikki Aradia and Princess Castillo were outclassed by April Santos and Zaza Paulino with a 3-6, 2-6 finish, a winner takes all round was set.
Martina Guba faced Lenelyn Milo in the next set. Guba carried the match and sealed the championship for good by breezing through Milo, 6-0.
Cruz exclaimed, “Definitely this win gave her confidence.”
Moving forward
Coach Cruz concluded, “It’s always a learning experience for the whole team, mostly for the women, each match, [and] each title we play for. We learn something to improve for the next season. We’re also trying to be a tougher team next year since we’re losing both our captains for the women’s [team].”
