Lady Paddlers scare DLSU in table tennis final

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THE UST Lady Paddlers surrendered to the De La Salle University, duplicating their 2009 silver finish in the UAAP Season 79 table tennis tournament at the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagle gym last Oct. 28.

Finishing the elimination round at third place, the Lady Paddlers neutralized Far Eastern University’s twice-to-beat advantage in their semifinals clash.

UST then gave La Salle all it could handle in a do-or-die Game 3, a feat nobody saw coming as the Lady Archers looked invincible with a 14-0 sweep in the elimination round.

With the championship in the line in the seventh and last match of Game 3, UST captain Niña Nacasabog yielded an 11-3, 4-11, 6-11, 11-3, 10-12 verdict against La Salle star Chantal Alberto.

“[I cried] because [the loss] was a near miss. But I am happy that we reached the championship round. We were almost there, we just fell short,” Lady Paddlers coach Lorida Wadjad told The Varsitarian.

Recent struggles

After UST won its 12th championship in 2006, the league’s winningest women’s table tennis team had a hard time crashing back to the Finals.

After dominating season 69, UST lost in the Finals three consecutive times. The Lady Paddlers also were not able to overcome twice-to-beat disadvantages three times in the last six seasons.

The Lady Paddlers’ lowest point in the same span came during seasons 74 and 75, when they settled for fourth place.

Although disappointed with the loss, Nacasabog is still proud because no one expected their team to reach the finals.

“I am happy that even though they are a step ahead in terms of players, we fought for the team and we took them to the edge,” said Nacasabog.

The 20-year-old from Bukidnon said that the confidence showed by Wadjad reflected on the team en route to their glorious Season 79 run.

“Coach Wadjad always tell the team that we should always bring our ‘A’ game and to play with no pressure. Even if we knew that La Salle was stronger, we just dismissed that idea,” Nacasabog said.

With the team’s stellar performance this season, Wadjadsaid a championship title, which they last won in 2006, is possible next season.

“I don’t want to say that we can beat them, but always we are trying our best to win. Next time, we want to have our revenge against La Salle,” Wadjad added.

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