THE ATENEO Blue and Lady Eagles faced the University of the Philippines (UP) and National University (NU), respectively in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Lawn Tennis Tournament held on Sunday, March 5 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts in Manila.

The Blue and Lady Eagles were on opposite sides of a 4-1 scoreline as the Blue Eagles secured four wins out of a possible five against UP, while doubles pair Jana Hernandez and Jessica Agra were the sole winners for the Lady Eagles.

The Blue Eagles

In the first singles match, AJ Rivero lost out against Joshua Cano, 1-6, 4-6. In the second and third singles matches, however, Ino Canlas and Marcen Gonzales recorded comfortable wins of their own against Mikko Ringia (6-1, 6-0) and Joel Atienza (6-1, 6-1), respectively.

In the first doubles event, the budding partnership of Julian Dayrit and Anton Punzalan bore fruit once again, as they defeated Kyle Joseph and Vincent Alanis, 2-6, 2-6. Luke Flores and Erj Gatdula broke serve late in the first set to take a 7-5 lead in the match. They secured the win with another break of serve at 6-3 in the second set.

This win avenges the Blue Eagles 2-3 loss to the Maroons in the first round.

The Lady Eagles

In the first singles match, Christine Patrimonio’s attacking overcame the persistence of Annika Mallari as the latter lost out, 2-6, 1-6. Rocio Climent was similarly dispatched by Clarice Patrimonio, 1-6, 1-6.

In the first doubles event featuring Nicole Amistad and Khrizelle Sampaton against Goldie Nagret and Zsa-zsa Paulino, the NU duo came out on top, 1-6, 4-6. Jessica Agra and Jana Hernandez prevented the sweep with a 6-2, 6-0 win against Ana Bienes and Apoul Polito.

In the third singles event, Jana Pages bounced back from a 3-6 first set loss to take the second set 6-2. Upon trailing 2-5 in the third set, however, Pages was struck with cramps, forcing her to take an injury break. According to the UAAP rules, however, an injury break that lasts longer than thirty seconds awards the opponent a game. With this unfortunate end, the match ended, 3-6, 6-2, 2-6.

Team Captain Jana Hernandez attributes Pages’ demise to an intense bout of cramps and a number of factors including heat. Despite being carried off the court, however, Hernandez assured that Pages will be all right.

This loss puts the Lady Eagles at a 1-4 record in the tourney while the Blue Eagles maintain a 3-4 record to keep their final four hopes alive.

The Blue Eagles’ next game will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, March 8 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts, Manila while the Lady Eagles are scheduled to play next Saturday.

Blue Eagles (Ateneo-UP)

1st singles: 1-6, 4-6

2nd singles: 6-1, 6-0

3rd singles: 6-1, 6-1

1st doubles: 6-2, 6-2

2nd doubles: 7-5, 6-3

Lady Eagles (Ateneo-NU)

1st singles: 2-6, 1-6

2nd singles: 1-6, 1-6

3rd singles: 3-6, 6-2, 2-6

1st doubles: 1-6, 4-6

2nd doubles: 6-2, 6-0

The Blue Eagles avenged their first round loss to the Maroons while the Lady Eagles grab a sole win against NU.

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