The lady tennisters from España summoned their big game experience to avert the upset axe from the nearby school.
The University of Santo Tomas Female Tennisters completed a comeback to deny the De La Salle University Lady Tennisters a breakthrough win, 3-2, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
The ladies in white and green were on the cusp of a maiden victory after taking the 2-1 advantage in the tie.
After the Tomasinas took the lead with a win off Ingrid Gonzales and Shymae Gitalan, a quick drubbing of Kiana Gacias and Kylla Orillosa, 6-1, 6-1, the La Sallians clinched the first two singles matches.
Chang Atangan stunned Kendies Malinis in the opening singles match at 7-6, 6-3. Then Rachelle De Guzman stamped her class over Erika Manduriao, 6-2, 6-4, to take the 2-1 lead.
Fortunately, UST still had an experienced doubles pair and their strongest singles player on deck.
Precian Rivera and the pair of April Santos and Genevieve Caorte delivered when it mattered. The three had to overcome the challenge of their corresponding opponents but, nonetheless, finished the matches in their favor.
Rivera closed out Jenni Dizon, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, in the third singles match. Afterwards, Santos and Caorte then outlasted Jed Aquino and Princess Castillo, 7-6, 2-6, 6-4, to wrap up the turnaround and the fifth win of the season.
Head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz attributed the win to how the team used their long break to prepare for the second round. “Naka-pahinga sila,” he shared. “Nakapag-recover sila sa last weekend na games. Ito yung naging result nila.”
Since it is the second round, the mentor added that the team must continue doing well. He admitted that taking on the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (2-2) on Sunday at 12pm will not be an easy task.
“Sana ganun pa rin ang laruin nila. Yung intensity nila kanina, ganun pa rin sana. Ang UP pa naman, medyo maganda yung showing.”
He continued, “Kaya nga Fighting Maroons, fighter talaga yan. Hindi rin pwedeng maging overconfident kahit 5-0 namin last round. Lagay lang sa utak na kailangang manalo.”
On their part, the Lady Archers (0-5) will also take on UP on Wednesday, March 8 at 8am.
