In line with the ongoing University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Lawn Tennis tournament, this article will analyze the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ journey to the finals.
FOR SOME teams, a 0-2 start in an eight-game season could spell the end of a championship campaign before it has even started. A conventional storyline, however, was hardly the case for the Blue Eagles in Season 80. Despite initial setbacks, the face of adversity has only amplified their efforts in chasing greatness and smashing their way to glory against the odds.
After opening with two defeats, the Blue Eagles broke through the slump to kickstart an incredible five-game winning streak, a feat only bested by the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, who have cemented their position atop the standings at 8-0. With the end of the road near, the Blue Eagles now find themselves en route to their first finals appearance in 17 years and within closer reach of the gold than ever before.
The captain’s mission
Among the most talented singles division players in the tournament, Ino Canlas has perhaps been the most instrumental piece in the team’s amazing season so far. Throughout the eight elimination round games, the Team Captain managed to capture six crucial victories, including one in a three-set thriller against De La Salle University (DLSU)’s Kyle Parpan.
GAME, SET AND MATCH. Canlas (Ateneo) def. Parpan (DLSU) in a heart stopping 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory! The captain rallied back 3 straight games to take the final set.
Team-tie score: Ateneo 2 DLSU 1#UAAPTennis
pic.twitter.com/3NGQgRbLG9
— Gio P. Guinto (@Gio_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2018
“After those first two losses, every game was crucial,” said Canlas. “It really changed our training sessions because that’s where we really adjusted,”
Singing his swan song in Season 80, Canlas’ experience in the collegiate league has fueled the Blue Eagles’ progression up the standings, with the captain playing a vital role on the singles court and on the sidelines in tough team-ties against the University of Sto. Tomas and De La Salle University (DLSU).
“The win against La Salle was a big one,” he notes. “Actually that weekend, UST and DLSU were tough. I think after those two wins, it really changed the momentum, and we built on the confidence from [there].”
Aside from his prowess on the court, Canlas’ invaluable leadership has spearheaded the team’s development, especially during trying times. Serving as the captain for the fourth consecutive year, the seasoned veteran has been the voice of command and a guiding presence through every battle.
“If I’m not here, he’s the one pushing the team,” adds Ateneo Coach PJ Tierro. “I can trust him because I can’t be in three courts at the same time, but I know that if I stay here, he can cover it, he can talk, everything.”
All the stars
Although the captain’s brilliant performances have definitely propelled the team to greater heights, no one player can be solely attributed to the team’s recent success. Bolstering Ateneo’s championship aspirations is an exceptional core of athletes who have poured heart and soul onto the court to aid Ateneo’s cause.
Third-year veteran Marcen Gonzales has been a monster in the singles division, delivering hard fought victories for the team when direly needed. Clinical showings have established his solid reputation in the league, and his cool-headed tenacity will be a key factor in the upcoming finale.
The seasoned tandem of Luke Flores and Erj Gatdula have refined their chemistry, carrying the flame with their heroics on the doubles court. The breakout stars are responsible for a good number of wins, most of which being the deciding games to clinch the team-tie in the clutch. Another Blue Eagle making a name for himself is freshman Bong Gonzales, who similarly gives the team an edge as a utility player in the singles and doubles divisions.
[Second Men’s Doubles] Down 0-40, Gatdula and Flores mount a huge rally, coming from behind to take the game and the match!
Ateneo 6 UP 4 pic.twitter.com/m7xpqbQC3d
— Jamie S. Katigbak (@Jamie_TheGUIDON) March 3, 2018
An unforeseen complication, however, has been the early exit of doubles specialist Anton Punzalan, who has been forced to witness the action from the bench after being sidelined by wrist injury. Having grown into a tough unit with Julian Dayrit after a season on the court together, Punzalan has left a noticeable absence in the doubles division, with the league missing the usual energy provided by the duo.
In light of the challenge, several relatively new faces on the squad have risen valiantly to the occasion. Sharing in the weight left by Punzalan’s injury, reserves Vernon Huibonhoa and AJ Rivero have delivered quality minutes when sent into the fray. Although Huibonhoa fell in his only match, Rivero made an instant impact in his season debut, slamming a comeback in three sets for his first win in his first appearance.
Rivero held his own in a crucial match against Elijah Arevalo and Mimo Tomacruz of the University of the Philippines (UP), nicely complimenting the skill and playing style of Dayrit. After a stunning debut, Rivero now finds himself as an active member of their roster and will look to work the same magic with his partner against the Red Warriors.
[First Men’s Doubles] Incredible chemistry from the Blue Eagle tandem gives Ateneo the go-ahead in the third set as Dayrit and Rivero win the first game!
Ateneo 1 UP 0#UAAPTennis pic.twitter.com/yCD9LaAUA7
— Jamie S. Katigbak (@Jamie_TheGUIDON) March 3, 2018
Although the Blue Eagles fell to UE at a score of 4-1 in a finals prelude that concluded the elimination round, the crushing deficit hardly reflected the courageous efforts of the team, who played fearlessly against the defending champions.
“In terms of how they played, I’m happy. But they’re the champion team. We have to play extraordinary,” said Ateneo Coach Gee Abacan, after their loss on Sunday, March 11.
After proving their own with a phenomenal run this campaign, the Blue Eagles aim to beat the odds and stand tall against the giants of the league. With Ateneo facing tough odds and playing the definite underdogs in a cinderella story, the championship will boil down to the team with the more grit and heart as both dance on the court for a fiery UAAP finale.
