THE UST Tennisters succumbed to perennial threat De La Salle University in the finals of the UAAP Season 68 tennis tournament men’s and women’s division.
The Lady Tennisters fell short in their see-saw battle against La Salle, 2-3, last Feb. 19 at the Rizal Racquet Club in Pasig City, absorbing their fourth consecutive finals defeat in the league.
In the first match experience prevailed over youth as UST’s Kristina Santos, the Season 68 Rookie of the Year, bowed to MVP Katherine Flores 1-2. UST recovered in the doubles matches with the pair of May Herrera and Joan Bibal and the tandem of Ara Micayabas and Kat Lopez trouncing their La Salle rivals. Tied at one game apiece, UST’s Melody Barraquias was forced to retire due to cramps in the third game of her match against Michelle Panis. In the deciding match of the series, Ofel Arribe fell to Mary Ann Louie, 2-0, to give La Salle the championship.
Head coach Karl Sta. Maria said he was proud of his wards’ performance despite the loss.
“La Salle really has a major talent advantage,” Sta. Maria said. “To think that we were able to extend the finals series was already an achievement.”
“I just feel bad for them because I know they were really tired of losing against La Salle,” he said.
On the distaff side, the men’s squad surrendered their crown to the Taft-based squad that was crowned outright champions last Feb. 12 after completing an elimination round sweep.
UST, which ended with a 6-2 win-loss card, lost in its last encounter with national player-infused La Salle, 3-1.
Sta. Maria said the Tennisters were unable to keep up with La Salle, which had an advantage in manpower and talent.
“In the first round, we kept the fight against La Salle close, but this time they just really overwhelmed us,” Sta. Maria said.
UST was also placed at a disadvantage as the players were not at their best during form for the match. Season 67 MVP Pious Ocampo, a first year Faculty of Medicine and Surgery student, could not train full-time due to his academic load, while doubles specialist Mclean Barraquias was flu-stricken during the game.
The next season may be harder for UST without key players who have finished their UAAP eligibility. Among those that will leave are Bibal, Lopez, Herrera and Arribe in the women’s squad and Ocampo, Marco Lua, and Francis Venzon in the men’s side.
