THE ATENEO Blue Eagles prevailed over the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Tennisters in the second elimination round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Lawn Tennis Tournament, 3-2. The match was held earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in the City of Manila. 

Blue Eagle Francesca Cruz opened the first Singles matchup with an encounter against Lady Tennister Maikee Vicencio. Despite commendable efforts to close the first match in her favor, Cruz succumbed to her opponent in straight sets, 0-6, 0-6. 

The first Doubles matchup then pitted Ateneo’s Noelle Urgello and Nina Sandejas against DLSU’s Jam Madis and Angel Alcala. However, the Blue Eagles struggled to find their rhythm as the Madis-Alcala duo cleared their rivals with a sweep, 6-0, 6-0.

In hopes of turning the tides for the Blue and White, Melanie Dizon went on to face DLSU’s Aubrey Calma for the second Singles matchup. Employing her resounding strokes down the line, Dizon effortlessly sealed the first set against Calma, 6-3. However, the second set caught sight of thrilling back-and-forth relays between the two, leading to a tiebreaker. Maintaining her offensive and powerful gambits throughout the match, Dizon then claimed the second set, 7-6.  

Tracy Llamas and Mariam Garsin then suited up against Lady Tennisters Arianne Nillasca and Kiezl Diaz for the second Doubles matchup. As the DLSU pair attempted to slip through the cracks, the Llamas-Garsin duo cemented their victory by quickly closing off the match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. 

With both teams fighting tooth and nail, the final and third Singles matchup ushered Ateneo standout Althea Ong and DLSU’s Eliana Misa onto the court. Painting the set with a grand display of impressive techniques and swings, Ong emerged on top of Misa with a decisive win, 6-0, 6-0. 

The Blue Eagles are set to go against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons tomorrow, April 2, at 3:00 PM at the same venue for the second round of games. 

Women’s Team-Tie Score: Ateneo-UST: 3-2

First Women’s Singles: Cruz fell to Vicencio, 0-6, 0-6

First Women’s Doubles: Urgello & N. Sandejas fell to Madis & Alcala, 0-6, 0-6

Second Women’s Singles: Dizon def. Calma, 6-3, 7-6

Second Women’s Doubles: Lllamas & Garsin def. Nillasca & Diaz, 6-0, 6-2Third Women’s Singles: Ong def. Misa, 6-0, 6-0