THE INFLUX of junior players into the team line-up has turned Ateneo into a formidable Tennis team. Coming into this year’s UAAP league, a podium spot was undeniably within their sights. But, with the opposing teams equipping themselves with even stronger additions, Season 72 has ended early for the boys in Blue.
“We [the team] finished at fourth, [which was] way below the team’s expectations,” former captain, Ayo Canlas says. “We probably underestimated how much the other players from the other teams improved since last year’s UAAP.”
With a potentially strong team lacking in preparation, almost every game spoke of the same story: ending a head-to-head game unable to translate into a win.
As Canlas, who was hampered by a wrist injury, coupled with the junior players understating their skill, the Tennisters debuted a 2-3 loss against UP with wins care of Julius Lagman and rookie Mark Balce in the singles division.
Losing their grip. The tennisters, with all their potential, failed to produce this season as it ended with disappointment. | Photo courtesy of Paul Cang
“I especially commend Julius Lagman for his consistent performance throughout the season,” co-captain Klentz Chua proclaims. “There’s also rookie Mark Balce, who came out with upsets during the first round.”
The Tennisters came short again onto their next game as they succumbed to the Green Archers, 2-3. Then, they elevated their playing level with a 5-0 sweep of their next opponent, the Red Warriors, only to be swept 5-0 by UST on their next game.
Their second round loss to UP, 2-3, was a disheartening one for the team.
“We were aiming for a 4-1 win and hoping for 2 singles wins and 2 doubles wins. But only got the singles wins,” Canlas says, citing the doubles division as one of their areas for improvement.
The women’s team avoided a La Salle and UST sweep in their first two games’ defeats with Michelle Pang’s sole wins in both occasions. The ladies then posted their first win to end the first round with a 4-1 triumph against the winless Fighting Maroons.
Next season may bring new lengths of changes. The Eagles have not been able to keep their composure during game time as Canlas shares.
With their current training routine proving to be insufficient, the undeniable talent of this team has yet to be harnessed.
The Lady Eagles on the other hand are still in the tournament, and will be trying their luck for the third spot.
