After falling short in the previous season, the DLSU Green and Lady Tennisters count on their newly found discipline for a successful UAAP Season 86 Lawn Tennis campaign. During the opening games on February 17 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, the teams fought hard against the ADMU Blue Eagles and UP Fighting Maroons, respectively, but failed to convert any early victories.
In a stunning turn of events, though, the women’s division bounced back the following day as they carved out statement victories against the ADMU Blue Eagles, 3-2, in their second game day last February 18 at the same venue. However, the men’s division still could not convert a win as they suffered a devastating loss against the UE Red Warriors.
Agonized redemption
The DLSU Green and Lady Tennisters showed their hunger to win in UAAP Season 86 during the opening day. They declared they improved their discipline by growing closer to their respective teammates through their preparation for the new season.
Testament to this was felt throughout the court and the stands as the Men’s Division opened their redemption campaign against the ADMU Blue Eagles. The Green Tennisters’ persistence radiated throughout the games, but the Eagles were equally as tenacious—assembling the crowd on the edge of their seats with long-lasting rallies. Ultimately, DLSU’s determination was surpassed by ADMU’s endurance and grit, which led to a heartbreaking 5-0 loss.
The Lady Tennisters, to whom not without a fight, yielded to the UP Fighting Maroons with a 3-2 loss on their season opener. Lady Tennisters churned out La Salle’s short victories in the Singles Division. Rookie Annika Diwa, who did not take no for an answer, drew out a three-set win, while senior player Jain Madis showed the Fighting Maroons how it’s done with a decisive two-set game.
Although both Lasallian teams stumbled on their opening day games, their drive was far from stricken, aiming to turn their corner on their following matchup, with the DLSU Green Tennisters against the UE Red Warriors and DLSU Lady Tennisters against the ADMU Blue Eagles.
Pressing forward
The second day of the UAAP Season 86 Lawn Tennis Tournament allowed the Green and Lady Tennisters to bounce back from their opening-day loss. Much to their dismay, the Green Tennisters were swept by the UE Red Warriors, 5-0, as the La Salle squad lost all matchups.
The DLSU Lady Tennisters, on the other hand, fought hard for their win against the ADMU Blue Eagles. The game proved to be a test of character for both squads in a very close match, with La Salle only up by one, 3-2. A loss in the first singles match did not stop the Lady Tennisters from keeping faith and going all out for each point. Jed Aquino and Bea Gomez were the tandem that gave DLSU a beacon of hope as they showcased their teamwork in a heated game against the Blue Eagles in the doubles match, 6-3 and 7-5.
In the next singles match, despite being down by three, 2-5, Lady Tennister Diwa was able to catch up to Ateneo’s Althea Martirez, and, eventually, took control of the game, 7-5. The second set showed a tougher battle but was eventually closed out by the Lady Tennisters, 7-5. With only one win needed to seal the deal, Lasallian Maikee Vicencio was stunned by Atenean Melanie Dizon’s tough hits, 6-4 and 6-3, which forced a decider in the final doubles match.
Representing La Salle was the tandem of Amor Idjao and Arianne Nillasca, who struggled to widen the lead, the close-set ending in Ateneo’s favor 6-7. With a lot hanging onto this final match, the Green-and-White duo took control of the remaining sets with a dominant 6-3 and 6-1 win, leading the La Salle squad to their first Season 86 dub, 3-2.
Gomez explained that the win helped the team gain confidence in their upcoming matches, “It just shows how hungry and determined we are to win more and prove people wrong.” Gomez said they will concentrate on the game at hand and on improving themselves rather than thinking about their opponents after winning and losing. “We’re honestly just taking it one day at a time and not thinking about other opponents yet. We just want to stay in the present and focus on that,” Gomez admitted.
The DLSU Green Tennisters are just getting started; their drive and determination are their main motivations to power through in their upcoming matches tomorrow, February 21, at 7:30 am against the AdU Soaring Falcons and on February 24 at 2:30 pm against the UST Growling Tigers. The DLSU Lady Tennisters, meanwhile, will go up against the NU Lady Bulldogs at 1 pm at the same venue.
