Both La Salle Tennis teams are looking for redemption as they enter Season 79, after both had disappointing showings last 2016. The DLSU Green Tennisters and Lady Tennisters finished last and third, respectively, in last year’s competition. Both teams hope that their rigorous off-season training will improve their chances this year. Challenges will be up ahead, however, as the NU Tennis Program has dominated both divisions in recent seasons, with the men going for their fifth consecutive title, and the women aiming for their fourth straight crown.
Nowhere to go but up
Using last year’s failures as motivation, the Green Tennisters are more focused than ever to regain the confidence that comes with every victory. While there were few positives that came with last year’s disappointment, one is the fact that most of the players on last year’s team are back again this season. In those players are the hunger and desire to do much better this time around. That list includes players such as LA Canizares, Jose Cano, Betto Orendain, and team captain Kyle Parpan, who emphasized that the team is looking back at Season 78 and seeing it as a lesson. He says, “The team put in so much effort last season, but we didn’t win any matches. That’s why I learned that you can never be too confident or prepared in any competition.”
Not making any excuses, the team immediately ramped up its preparations for the upcoming season. Training multiple days a week, even twice a day sometimes, the Lasallians hope that their extra practice will prepare them for the different scenarios this season. Parpan explains, “We pushed ourselves before the season started. We trained individually when we had our free time.” Continuing, he says, “Of course, though, we would help each other in order to achieve our full potential.”
In August last year, the Green Tennisters took a big step forward after winning first place in the Olivarez Cup. By defeating a very talented De La Salle Zobel team in the finals, confidence throughout the team definitely increased.
Though a big step-up from last year, the team’s goal remains the same: to win it all. For the captain, however, seeing the team’s hard work pay-off on the court is the main goal. “I expect to see a lot of improvement and support from each member [of the team] throughout the season,” he says. “We just want the entire team to reach each’s potential in order for us to win as a team.”
Continued improvement
While they did not finish in first place, the Lady Tennisters had a very respectable Season 78. They finished in the middle of the standings with three wins and five losses. Now, it is up to the team to continue its improvement to further advance itself up the standings. With the loss of Marinel Rudas, who went undefeated last season, the team faces an uphill climb to the crown.
Returning, however, for the team is Rachelle De Guzman. The new captain is returning after missing last season due to injury. Right away, she explains that her time off has given her a new perspective on the sport. She says, “Since, I was not able to play last season due to injury, what I learned was that it’s not always ‘no pain no gain’.” Furthermore, she explains, “I had to take care of my body–proper stretching, and strengthening for me to be able to get back again. And here I am, ready to play my third UAAP [season].”
Like the Green Tennisters, the women also participated in the Olivarez Cup. Though not as successful as their male counterparts, they did finish a respectable third place, and gained much needed experience in the process.
Along with their rigorous trainings just like the Green Tennisters, De Guzman emphasizes that the team prepared for this season, not only physically, but also mentally. The captain believes the team is more than prepared for the upcoming season. “I asked for the help of Ms. Desiree Espina in order for me and the rest of the women’s lawn tennis team to prepare mentally and emotionally,” she says. De Guzman explains further, saying, “We also have team sessions and individual sessions to address our problems, not just in sports and acads, but also our personal lives.”
Though the team wants to win it all, De Guzman promised that the team will take it slowly. “One game at a time, that’s our short term goal. We have to focus on the process and the results will follow.”
Both teams begin their seasons on February 18, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts. The Green Tennisters will face the NU Bulldogs at 11 am, while the Lady Tennisters will challenge their archrivals, the ADMU Lady Eagles, at 12 noon.
