AFTER FIVE taxing matches, the Ateneo Women’s Lawn Tennis Team (AWLTT) was overpowered by the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in a 2-3 contest earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in the City of Manila.

This loss puts the Blue Eagles at a 0-3 win-loss standing in the elimination round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 Tennis Tournament.

Team Captain Althea Ong set the game day in motion as she valiantly faced Rachel Velez in the first singles match despite still suffering from a right shoulder injury. The Fighting Maroons showcased dominance from the start, working to an early three-set advantage, 1-3. Ong momentarily overwhelmed Velez with powerful strokes midway through, yet quick adjustments from UP earned them the first canto, 1-6.

Despite the action-packed rallies Ong withstood, the skipper lost the following set similarly, 1-6. Meanwhile, Chelsea Roque also fell to Fighting Maroon Jufe Cocoy as UP engineered a sweep for the second singles match, 1-6, 0-6.

The doubles portion saw promising endurance from Ateneo’s Althea Martirez and Co-captain Yam Garsin as they managed to sustain their set lead against Anica Cari and Jonamil Prado, 6-1. In the next set, the Blue and White duo leaned on their chemistry in an attempt to contain UP’s comeback bid as they tied Ateneo at 5-5. Staying poised with calculated shots and reactive defense, Martirez and Garsin closed out the thrilling contest at 7-5.

Nina Sandejas and Elle Urgello faced Joshea Malazarte and Jesha Cervantes in the crucial second doubles match. The two pairs exchanged fiery strokes and tied the game at 2-2, but the Fighting Maroons powered through Ateneo’s offensive tactics to maintain their lead, 2-6. Despite commendable efforts from the Loyola Heights-based duo, Malazarte and Cervantes continued their good form for a 1-6 victory.

Giving the Blue and White an admirable finish, Faye Dizon executed a clean sweep over Renee Esteban. Dizon claimed court momentum with clever drop shots and steady serves to cement a first 6-0 set. Building off her strong start, Dizon contained Esteban’s lob shots with steady slices down the court, ultimately claiming a singles match for Ateneo, 6-0.

Still looking to earn their first win of the season, AWLTT will face the National University Lady Bulldogs tomorrow, February 25 at 8:00 AM in the same venue.