February 13, 2016, 7:03p.m. – THE UST Tennisters suffered twin defeats in the continuation of the UAAP Season 78 tennis tournament at the Rizal Sports Complex Saturday.
The National University humbled the Female Tennisters, 0-5, to remain the only undefeated team in the tournament, while the Male Tennisters recorded their fourth straight loss at the hands of the Ateneo De Manila University, 1-4.
Rookie Female Tennisters Erika Manduriao and Precian Rivera both lost to siblings Christine and Clarice Patrimonio, respectively, while UST’s Kendies Malinis took a 1-6, 3-6 beating against Jzash Canja.
The duo of Shy Mae Gatalan Ingrid Gonzales and the tandem of Genevieve Caorte and Macy Gonzales also failed to muster a win for the Female Tennisters.
“Malakas talaga ‘yung singles [ng NU]. Sa isip namin, sa second round, beatable pa din ang NU,” Female Tennisters head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz said.
In men’s play, singles Dave Mosqueda’s delivered the only UST win, dominating Ateneo’s Iyo Canlas, 6-1, 6-0.
Male Tennister Mart Clarence Cabanug took the first set against Mancen Gonzales but ran out of gas in the finishing set, 6-3, 0-6, 3-6. His teammate, Francis Lanzado, was demolished by Ateneo’s Ino Canlas, 1-6, 2-6.
UST’s Francis Patino and Francis Potutan dropped the first doubles match against Ateneo’s Johann Exconde and Luke Flores, 2-6, 4-6.
The Male Tennisters’ second doubles tandem of Joel Carusa and Bernlou Berin succumbed to Ateneo’s Aj Rivero and Ernesto Gatdula, 6-7(4), 1-6.
The second round of the tennis tournament will begin tomorrow at the same venue.
