By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — With nerves of steel and faith as his anchor, National University Nazareth School’s Ariel Cabaral battled back from the brink to etch his name in history as the first singles champion of the UAAP High School Boys’ Tennis Tournament on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
Cabaral overcame a shaky start and rediscovered his rhythm when it mattered most, outlasting Ateneo de Manila University’s Miguel Lagac in a gripping three-set duel, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3, to seize the inaugural crown.
After dropping the opening set, the young Bulldog steadied himself in a tense second-set tiebreak before taking control in the decider, showcasing poise beyond his years.
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“It means a lot to me po kasi ito ‘yung goal ko since bata pa ‘ko kasi ‘yung ate ko po kasi UAAP player po siya at nakapag-gold na po siya kasi, so it’s an achievement for me na makamit po kasi po dati pangarap ko lang siya tapos ngayon natupad na po siya,” said Ariel, whose older sister Angela also played for NU.
“It means a lot, kasi, as a first timer and as a proud NU Bulldog, nakuha po namin ‘yung crown as [the] first UAAP juniors champion. Tiwala lang talaga kay God and then tiwala rin sa shots kasi just like sa first set, parang litong-lito na po talaga ako kung ano’ng gagawin ko pero sinasabi ko lang kay God na sana i-guide niya lang ako. Na-[overcome] ko naman po ‘yung pressure and then nagawa ko ‘yung dapat kong gawin sa game,” continued the 18-year-old Negrense.
The singles triumph delivered a historic breakthrough for National University Nazareth School in the tournament’s maiden staging.
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In doubles, University of the East’s Kobi Luzon and Aser Delos Santos asserted their dominance early and never looked back, sweeping teammates Kyle Saga and Al Tristan Licayan, 6-1, 6-2, to secure the championship in the event also supported by Wilson.
“Mas na-less namin ‘yung pressure kasi kami-kami lang po eh. Alam na po namin ‘yung laro namin eh. Tsaka iba rin po talaga pag nandito sa court. Iba po talaga ‘yung expectation sa laro at pag ikaw na ‘yung nandito. At ’yun lang po talaga, manghingi lang po talaga ng guidance sa Panginoon at mag-pray lang na maganda ‘yung performance ko sa laro,” said Luzon.
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The results will count toward each school’s overall championship tally.
Team ties begin on March 1 at the same venue.
