The Ateneo Women’s Table Tennis Team (AWTT) closes out their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 stint in fourth place after being thwarted by the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Paddlers, 1-3. The Stepladder Final Four showdown was held earlier today, November 20, at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.
First Singles
Leading the Blue Eagles’ soar was Team Co-Captain Jelaine Monteclaro, who squared off against DLSU’s Margaret Ebora. No side gave an inch in the first frame, as both paddlers reached an extended set. Ultimately, Monteclaro fell to Ebora to surrender the first set, 10-12.
Remaining unfazed, the Blue Eagle proceeded to swarm the opposition with a flurry of attacks en route to a dominating 11-5 drubbing in the second set.
Despite her valiant effort, Monteclaro failed to sustain her energy, with her fate being sealed after coming up short in the next two sets of play, 7-11, 9-11.
Second Singles
With Ateneo now playing catch-up, Team Co-Captain Celeen Docto was determined to put the Blue and White on the board against Angelou Laude.
It was an uphill battle for the Blue Eagle as she struggled to get on the board in the first set, resulting in a 1-11 routing. Remaining persistent, signs of life began showing in the second set. Despite losing 4-11, the Atenean displayed improved offense through her attacks and drives.
Come the third set, Docto managed to go blow-for-blow with the opposition, but was unable to ultimately take victory as she fell to the Lady Paddler in the third set, 8-11.
Doubles
Sensing imminent danger, the Blue Eagles deployed Nicole Alemania and Anna Fabregar to keep the Blue and White’s title hopes alive as they took on Lady Paddlers Cello Caoile and Sharina Mendoza.
Coming together for a strong opening outing, the Blue Eagle pairing set the tone early as they proceeded to take a dominant victory in the first set, 11-5.
Despite losing the second set, 10-12, the Katipunan-based squad never looked back as they won two straight sets for the Blue Eagles’ first victory of the day after four intense sets, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9.
Third Singles
As title hopes hung in the balance, Blue Eagle Andrea Deondo was tasked to extend the game to a deciding fifth set against Lady Paddler Kyla Bernaldez.
Deondo stumbled in the first set, as she was unable to return Bernaldez’s attacks, leading to a 4-11 scoreline. Remaining determined to turn the tables, the Blue Eagles showcased renewed strength, but still came up short in the second set, 8-11.
Now facing a do-or-die situation, the Blue Eagle remained steadfast as she left it all on the floor. However, the advantage proved to be insurmountable, as Dondo fell in three straight sets, 4-11, 7-11, 5-11.
Following the game, the AWTTT officially closed their season in fourth place. While the Blue Eagles were unable to clinch a medal, their consistent performances on the table reflect a team that is destined for victory in the seasons to follow.
