AFTER OPENING UAAP Season 73 with two painful losses to UST and rivals DLSU, the Lady Netters went on an impressive four-week winning streak to earn a spot in the finals, before eventually losing to defending champions DLSU, 4-0, last February 16.
Finishing off the first round, the Lady Netters outclassed Katipunan rivals, UP, 3-2, and entered the second round on high spirits. Incredibly, they outperformed the Lady Maroons yet again last January 30 during the opening match-up of the second round, 3-2.
The Ladies in Blue continued their solid play in the second round by staging an upset against defending champions, DLSU, 3-2, and were able to breeze through their next match-up against UST, 4-1.
Despite the early troubles in the first round, it was the reliable play from their seniors, coupled with younger players stepping up, that enabled the Lady Netters to set a finals match-up against DLSU.
The country’s number one ranked player, Michelle Pang, led the way for the Blue and White, while Ivy de Castro, Joanne Opulencia, Mary Grace Rivero, Maki San Andres, Monique Angelo, and Jessica Lagman all followed suit, doing well in either their singles or doubles match-ups.
Nevertheless, the Green Archers approached the finals match-up determined to defend their crown.
DLSU Lady Netter Regina Santiago handed Pang the first loss of her UAAP career, 6-1, 3-6, 2-6.
Santiago, who was last season’s Rookie of the Year, grabbed Most Valuable Player honors this year because of her strong play.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Lady Netters had their hands full as the Green Archers stepped-up their game, not dropping a set in the remaining three matches against the Blue and White.
DLSU went on to clinch their back-to-back, downing Ateneo, 4-0.
Despite losing in the finals, the Lady Netters still have a bright future ahead of them. Pang, who is graduating this year said, “Reaching the finals on my last year is an amazing feeling,” she continues, “The team is strong and will get stronger next year. Looking forward to them having a better year next year.”
