IT TOOK only a single match against the UST Male Tennisters to put an end to National University’s 44-game winning streak that spanned four years, in the UAAP Season 79 lawn tennis tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Sunday.
The Male Tennisters swept all their three individual matches but surrendered two doubles games to pull off a 3-2 win.
UST’s Dave Mosqueda thwarted Jeremiah Latorre, 6-4, 6-4, before Clarence Cabahug toppled NU’s Chris Prulla, 6-3, 6-3. Nico Lanzado then wrapped up the individual matches with a 6-3, 6-0 demolition of John Accion.
However, the JC Cabusas-Leroy Bering and En-En Lopez-Jose Suazo tandems of the Male Tennisters dropped their doubles matches against NU.
“Big deal sa amin [ang panalo na ito], talagang unexpected na panalo kami pero well-prepared kami ng mga teammates ko,” team captain Cabusas said.
Defending champions NU absorbed its last loss way back in 2012 when it fell to La Salle, 2-3.
In women’s play, the Lady Tennisters notched their second victory of the season against De La Salle University with a 3-2 verdict.
UST’s Erika Manduriao dominated Chang Itangan, 6-4, 6-1, while the duo of April Santos and Ingrid Gonzales went undefeated against La Salle’s Kianna Gacias and Kylla Orillosa, 6-0, 6-0.
The Lady Tennisters turned to Lenelyn Milo and Mae Gitalan’s crucial doubles victory over Princess Castillo and Jed Aquino, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, to keep their slate unblemished in two games this season.
UST’s Precian Rivera suffered a 2-6, 2-6 loss to Jenni Dizon while Kendies Malinis gave La Salle’s Rachelle De Guzman a comeback scare but faltered in the final set, 0-6, 7-5, 1-6.
The Male Tennisters (1-0) and Female Tennisters (2-0) will face the University of the East and NU, respectively, on Feb. 22, Wednesday, at the same venue.
