After navigating through a rocky season, the DLSU Green Tennisters fell short as they were unable to power through the NU Bulldogs, 2-3, yesterday, March 13, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
An Archer’s power play
The Green-and-White opened the first singles division with Team Captain EJ Geluz, who went up against NU’s Miguel Vicencio. After an exchange of hits, Geluz outplayed the Bulldogs by dominating in straight sets, 4-6 and 3-6, earning a point for DLSU. In the attempt to catch up and recover, it was Ohye Tortal’s turn to face EJ Tugade. However, he was unable to defend DLSU’s ground as he suffered a loss to Tugade, 2-6 and 2-6. The third and final singles match was played by Fernando Caesar Po that was pitched against Ibarra Ortega, who ended up pummeling La Salle’s chances of winning as he was defeated in straight sets, 1-6 and 0-6.
A double-edged game
The first doubles match of the day kicked off with the familiar pair of DLSU’s Brysl Libao and RJ Virrey against NU’s Allen Manlangit and Gab Bandoquillo. The tandem’s chemistry shined as they swept the match in straight sets, 6-3 and 7-6. While the second duo consisted of Enzo Enriquez and Leyton Portin, but they ultimately suffered a hard hit from NU, 6-4 and 6-2. The Taft-based squad failed to secure their second win by a close call, 2-3.
After concluding today’s matchups, Geluz claimed that the second round of the season helped him and the team adjust to the dominant teams, intently studying every player’s move. “Patapos na yung season, nag-g-groove na talaga yung mga laro namin pero kinukulang, gano’n.”
(The season is almost over, and our games are getting into the groove, but sometimes it lacks.)
The leader of the Green-and-White also mentioned that the Green Tennisters strive to have fun in their final game of Season 86 on Sunday against the defending UST Growling Tigers, as they were unable to secure a spot in the Final Four. “Ineexpect ko lang to have fun, and going against UST, the strongest team, ayun wala, bawi na lang next year.”
(I’m expecting to have fun and to go against UST. We’re going to make a comeback next year.)
Geluz extends his heartfelt appreciation to the DLSU community for their undying support toward the Green Tennisters as it ignited their passion for play; the team captain also wishes the best for their redemption tour next Season 87.
The DLSU Green Tennisters will strive to put up a good fight in the final match of their campaign against the defending champion, the UST Growling Tigers, on Sunday, March 17. This serves as their last-ditch attempt to end La Salle’s stint on a high note. Concurrently, the DLSU Lady Tennisters will also conclude their season as they face the NU Lady Bulldogs on the same day at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
