Green, Lady Paddlers seek twin championships

“Together with the Men’s team, we would want to give La Salle its first double championship for table tennis,” shares the DLSU Lady Paddlers’ team captain, Yanyan Lariba.

There is no shortage of motivation for the Lady Paddlers after a heartbreaking loss in the finals last season. The ladies from Taft faltered against U.P. in the biggest stage despite boasting a thrice-to-beat advantage after sweeping the eliminations.

“What we are doing now is we train and improve ourselves day by day. Also we guide and take a closer look on our rookies and sophomores,” Lariba shared.

Earlier this year, two members of the Lady Paddlers, Lariba and Jamaica Sy, donned the national team colors as part of the trio that brought home the Division Four championship during the ZEN-NOH 2014 World Table Tennis Team Championships held in Tokyo, Japan.

“Our team is more motivated [this season] to win the championship,” said Lariba.

On the other hand, the DLSU Green Paddlers are primed to defend their UAAP championship trophy with reigning MVP Walden Ledesma still in tow and boosting a stronger doubles line-up.

“I always try to work hard because my inspiration is my teammates. I always motivate them that if we work hard, each of us will achieve a long-term goal of being doubles champions,” Ledesma explained. A fellow Green Paddler added, “We can complete all the roles this year. There is no uncertainties, unlike last year when we had doubts about our doubles.”

The Green Paddlers ended a 13-year title drought via a finals sweep against a tough FEU team last UAAP 76. The team also had only one defeat in their stellar campaign last season. However, Ledesma noted, “It’s hard to win a championship, but it’s more difficult to defend it.”

Ledesma admitted that they felt complacent and relaxed for the upcoming season. The team quickly addressed the problem by putting short-term goals everyday in order to be ready come UAAP 77. Jet Yatco, a pivotal member of the squad, also mentioned that the players do extra work before or after training in order to improve.

The DLSU Paddlers have a tough task ahead of them and that is to be at the top podium level at season’s end. The Green Paddlers look forward to take home another UAAP championship while their female counterparts, the Lady Paddlers, aim to regain theirs.