These were the words of Coach Kevin Lachica as the Ateneo Golfers continued their run to the Intercollegiate Golf Tournament finals, winning over the University of the Philippines at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite last December 7.
Team Ateneo was led by best-ball duo Gabriel Atienza (III BSM AMF) and Erlaine Lumanog (III BS CTM), as they raced out to a strong start and held on to a 2-up win in the par-72 course. Their high-low counterparts, Raymond Escalona (IV BS HSc) and Edsel Tan (I AB IS), also did their job on the green, taking a 6-up victory as well.
“Coach Kevin told us that we have a lot of talent, but we will need heart and hard work if we want to win it all,” said Atienza.
Team Ateneo has also won two of its three games at their home course in Splendido Golf and Country Club, Taal, Cavite. But despite the team’s strong performance, they remain focused and avoided any temptation to be overconfident.
“Right now, we’re playing better than expected, but we’re not underestimating any of our opponents. We can’t take anyone for granted. We know we can beat them, and we have to keep thinking that,” Atienza added.
Besting their Katipunan-based rival in both formats, Ateneo has zoomed to a 5-2 overall record, where both losses came against current leader De La Salle University.
“Our losses to them gave us a better idea of the level of their game. We’re confident that kaya na namin sila kung magkita sa finals (we can match up with them if we meet in the finals),” he said.
Earlier, the Ateneo Golfers defeated College of St. Benilde (CSB) last November 23 at Canlubang.
Atienza and Gabe Villareal (II BSM AMF) participated in the high-low while Ayon Sanchez (III BS Mgt-H) and Escalona played in the best-ball format.
Johann See (III AB MEco) considered the team as the underdog should they make it to the finals. He added that the team decided upon who they will field in for the match beforehand.
CSB continues to breathe down the neck of Ateneo at 3rd place, while UP and the University of Asia and the Pacific round out the competition. The top two teams square off in the championship round in January.
