THE ATENEO Women’s Lawn Tennis Team (AWLTT) faltered in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 debut against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 1-4. The match happened earlier today at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center-Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in the City of Manila.
In the first singles match of the day, sophomore Althea Martirez and UP’s Joshea Malazarte dazzled the crowd in a thrilling three-set showdown. Martirez got off to a slow start in the opening set, committing multiple service errors. The Blue Eagle would however mount a comeback when she finally got her service game going, winning the first set of the match, 7-5.
With Martirez needing one more set for the team-tie win, Malazarte responded with brilliant serves and well-placed volleys near the net. As a result, Malazarte outclassed her opponent in the second set, 6-3.
Determined to regain control, Martirez stepped up her aggression in the deciding set, dominating play from close range as her opponent gave in to fatigue. Finally, the Blue Eagle claimed the third set as she capitalized on her rival’s inability to return her attacks, 7-5.
On the opposite court, the Blue Eagle duo of Audrey Ruiz and Zaina Omar aimed to replicate Martirez’s exploits against UP’s Anica Cari and Sydney Enriquez. Ruiz and Omar started their match strong, winning two of the first three games. However, UP’s duo made key adjustments, forcing multiple service errors that led Ateneo to a 2-6 defeat.
Unable to reverse their string of setbacks, Ruiz and Omar conceded their next set, 0-6, handing the Fighting Maroons their first match of the day.
Looking to break the tie, Blue Eagle Chelsea Roque went up against Jufe Cocoy in the second singles bout. Struggling to get a grip on the match, Roque had a difficult time against her foe, losing the first set in a 0-6 shutout. Still unable to find her form, Roque struggled against Cocoy’s aggressive playstyle, ultimately dropping the second set early, 1-6.
Looking to keep Ateneo’s hopes for a win alive, Angela Buyante went toe-to-toe with UP’s Glydel Guevarra in the final singles match. Unfortunately, Buyante could not contain the Fighting Maroon’s powerful attacks and fast serves, losing the first set, 1-6. Aiming to make a comeback, Buyante challenged her Katipunan rival with impressive defense in the succeeding frame. Despite the Atenean’s efforts, she struggled to cope with Guevarra’s adjustments, leading to a 4-6 defeat.
In the final match of the day, Ateneo duo Reizel Caco and Adrianna Cabahug faltered against Jonamil Prado and Jesha Cervantes’ seamless teamwork, falling in a straight-set loss.
Speaking on her team’s results, Martirez shared, “I think the first thing we need to improve on is our mindset, especially when facing stronger teams. We just have to do our best since we still have plenty of games ahead.”
Looking to avenge their loss, the AWLTT will play against the De La Salle University Lady Tennisters tomorrow, February 23, at 10:30 AM in the same venue.
Team-tie score:
Ateneo-UP: 1-4
Results:
First Singles: Martirez (Ateneo) def. Malazarte (UP) – 7-5, 3-6, 7-5
First Doubles: Cari and Enriquez (UP) def. Ruiz and Omar (Ateneo) – 6-2, 6-0
Second Singles: Cocoy (UP) def. Roque (Ateneo) – 6-0, 6-1
Third Singles: Guevarra (UP) def. Buyante (Ateneo) – 6-1, 6-4Second Doubles: Tria and Gonzaga (UP) def. Coco and Cabahug (Ateneo) – 6-0, 6-0
