THIS YEAR’S UAAP Table Tennis Tournament was a constant struggle for the Blue and Lady Paddlers.

The Blue Paddlers finished winless at 0-12. The closest they got to a win was against NU, DLSU (in the first round) and against UE (in the second round)—where they lost 3-1. Blue Padders Percival Elfan and Pierre Jacinto gave the Eagles their place holders.

The Lady Paddlers, on the other hand, didn’t do much better finishing with a 2-10 slate. Their two wins this season both coming against NU where Annie Lee, Nicole Taleon and doubles-team Larisa Serzo and Rhome Yu defeated their opponents. Team Captain Clarice Manuel showed a lot of heart in her matches winning against UP and DLSU, but they were not enough to garner the Lady Paddlers a victory.

Toughness & Experience

As one of the most prestigious collegiate table tennis tournaments, mental toughness has been a constant struggle for the players. Jacinto said “We shine in pre-season tournaments and other leagues but the UAAP pressure gets to us. We easily get discouraged in tough games.”

Head Coach Floyd Lubaton himself said “One of the biggest [challenges] is the mental toughness. It takes a while for them to adjust and become comfortable and confident.”

Lady Paddler Yu shared “Many players fielded by the different schools all come from the national level like Palarong Pambansa. Most players we have are just recruits from PE class.” Manuel added “Our opponents have the advantage with their experience. Knowing this, the pressure really hinders everyone’s potential.”

Coaches face challenges

Instead of ideally focusing on guiding and correcting players in their craft, coaches find themselves still teaching the basics which should have taught in earlier years. Being unable to get solid recruits forces coaches to mold the players themselves where much time and effort should be used for improvement in advanced areas of playing.

“It is [also] a challenge to play our cards right and also to be patient and support and encourage our players.” said Assistant Coach Rodel Valle.

Coach Lubaton added “We have the will to win but the experience is really not lacking.”

A UAAP official mentioned, “Ateneo has a really solid coaching staff who are very decorated. They just really don’t have as many recruits as the other schools do.”

Rebuilding

At the year’s end both teams may lose a number of graduating players—John Villalon, Justin Lagasca, Sean Co and Paolo Carlos may be departing should they choose not to use their remaining playing years. The same goes for Manuel, Serzo, Taleon and Vivien Tan for the Lady Paddlers. The coaches are currently looking for new recruits to fill in the possible gaps for next year.

Staying Strong

Despite the losses, however, there were still accomplishments that aren’t evident on paper. “What kept our heads up this year was our team camaraderie and support for one another,” Jacinto said.

“I saw the fight in them. I am proud of them,” the coach added.