The National University Lady Bulldogs once again proved that they are the team to beat this season after finishing all five matchups against the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the UAAP Season 78 Lawn Tennis competition, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
For the first singles game, NU’s Jzah Canja had it easy with Sam Martin, as Canja swept the two matches with 6-0 points. After the first game, it set the tone for the Lady Bulldogs, as Clarice Patrimonio won straight sets, 6-0, 6-0, in the second singles match against Jodel Fernandez. However, Christine Patrimonio had a more difficult time against her opponent Khrizelle Sampaton after almost dropping the first set. Nevertheless, she still managed to pull her strength back and won the set, riding her luck until the second set with a score of 6-4, 6-1.
Although the first doubles started off bright, with a 4-0 at the first set, Lyn Saladaga and Goldie Nagret had a miscommunication, resulting in a run by the Ateneo partners, Rocio Climent and Jana Pages, making the score 4-3. It was an intense game, but the Lady Eagles did not succeed in getting the win as they dropped both sets, 3-6, 4-6. The hardcore doubles from NU, Hannah Espinosa and Junnelyn Polito, also didn’t throw away any set that day, as Jana Exconde and Jana Hernandez of Ateneo bowed down to them, 0-6, 2-6.
Almost down to the first round of the competition, NU once again proved that the champions are back. Without any hesitation, they did what they were expected to do, which is to win. NU head coach Karl Santamaria said, “Actually, wala ka namang mahihinging iba pa sa kanila (players), because we won every match with 5-0, but I still see flaws from them, and I know that we can still do better, but overall I am very happy.”
