Just like a season ago, the two Katipunan-based schools split their assignments.
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles avenged their first round loss, upending the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 4-1, to take their third win of the season, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Maroon third-year player Joshua Cano started the day with a thorough win over AJ Rivero, 6-1, 6-4. The win, however, turned out to be the Diliman squad’s lone victory of the day.
Ino Canlas displayed his dominant form and stayed undefeated after finishing off Mikko Ringia, 6-0, 6-1, in the second singles match. Following that up was Marcen Gonzales who took care of rookie Joel Atienza, 6-1, 6-1.
The Blue Eagles also pocketed both doubles matches after their usual pairs delivered the goods.
Anton Punzalan and Julian Dayrit fended off the spurts of Kyle Joseph and Vincent Alanis, 6-2, 6-2, in the first one.
On the other hand, Erj Gatdula and Luke Flores had to shake off the fiesty duo from the other side of Katipunan Mimo Tomacruz and Gabriel Guttierez, 7-5, 6-3.
Ateneo (3-4) will look to continue their uphill climb when they face the league-leading University of the East Red Warriors (6-1) on Wednesday, March 8 at 2pm.
The Fighting Maroons (1-6), on the other hand, will try to snap their struggles when they take on the University of Santo Tomas Male Tennisters (4-2) earlier that day.
