Green Tennisters fall short against UST
The De La Salle Univerity (DLSU) Green Tennisters (1–3) suffered another heartbreaking defeat as they fell short against defending champions, the UST Men’s Lawn Tennis Team, 0–5, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
La Salle’s Dan Mates was the first one to grab his racket and serve the first smash against UST’s Sebastian Santos. However, the left side of the court appeared to be the favored territory, as it granted Santos with advantageous conditions from the onset of the match. Despite Santos’ early dominance with long-range shots, Mates showcased resilience, even surprising his opponent with explosive short-range shots that made it challenging for Santos to defend near the net. However, despite Mates’ tactical efforts, Santos secured the first set with a commanding 6–1 lead over Mates. Mates fought hard to keep the scores close in the second set undeterred, but Santos eventually widened the gap by capitalizing on Mates’ blunders until the Tiger ultimately claimed the set, 2–6.
The green-clad team engaged in a series of intense duels against the Tigers, starting from the inaugural doubles match featuring Captain EJ Geluz and the promising rookie Brysl Libao against Richard Bautista and Vince Serino. Both pairs exhibited unwavering determination, which resulted in protracted rallies that showcased the pairs’ physical prowess. The Geluz-Libao tandem proved to be a formidable force, dominating their side of the court with thunderous smashes and loud war cries. However, their counterparts from España also displayed resilience in keeping the scoreline incredibly tight. The match evolved into one of the lengthiest encounters of the day, with nail-biting deadlocks all throughout. Unfortunately, the Green duo’s momentum suffered a setback when Libao succumbed to excruciating cramps in the middle of their match, forcing them to reluctantly concede the third set to UST with a score of 7–5, 3–6, 0–3.
Subsequently, a gripping encounter unfolded between Green Tennister Nonoy Po and UST’s Ericjay Tangub in the second singles match on the opposite end of the court. The court witnessed a display of exceptional agility from both players, as they traded lightning-fast shots to ensure a closely contested score. The intensity heightened into a speed showdown until Tangub unleashed even more potent smashes to secure the first set with a scoreline of 2–6. The second set unfolded as a tense sequence, with Po coming tantalizingly close to seizing the lead, just one smash away, only for Tangub to swiftly snatch it from his grasp shortly afterwards. With the Tiger persistently launching long-range attacks that Po struggled to intercept, the set ultimately concluded and secured the Tiger’s third win with a decisive 0–6 victory.
In the second doubles match, Co-captain RJ Virrey and Leyton Portin faced off against UST’s Steven Sonsona and Nash Agustines. Despite the Lasallian pair’s unpredictable short-range bullseyes, the UST pair remained resolute, countering with powerful long-range smashes to tire out Virrey and Portin, 1–6. It wasn’t until the Tigers committed blunders which gave the Taft-based pair enough leeway to regain momentum and keep the scores close at 2–3. However, Sonsona and Agustines orchestrated a barrage of powerful smashes aimed at unpredictable corners, ultimately putting an end to Virrey and Portin’s campaign in the second set, 2–6.
To conclude the Green Tennisters’ game day, Ohye Tortal had the burden of being the last man standing, aiming to avenge the team against Tiger Tennister Nilo Ledama. However, the reigning MVP from UST made quick work of the Archer, skillfully evading the latter’s arrows while delivering heavy smashes across the court to end the first set at 2–6. With Tortal left as the sole defender of the Animo, the Tiger applied relentless pressure to back Tortal in a corner. In the end, Ledama secured a resounding 1–6 victory, eventually concluding the Green Tennisters’ day with a heartbreaking defeat.
Support the Green Tennisters in their quest for redemption against the National University (NU) Men’s Lawn Tennis Team, tomorrow, February 25, 11AM, at the same venue.
Mates (0–2): 1–6, 2–6
Libao & Geluz (1–2): 7–5, 3–6, 0–3
Po (0–2 ): 2–6, 0–6
Virrey & Portiz (0–2): 1–6, 2–6
Tortal (0–2): 2–6, 1–6
