Archers, Eagles renew golf rivalry in Match Play 2008

La Salle and Ateneo renew their storied rivalry, this time on the rugged fairways and sleek greens of Tagaytay Midlands as they clash in the De La Salle-Ateneo Match Play 2008 beginning Dec. 19.

The upcoming duel, which gathers 36 of the best players from both schools in a Ryder Cup style format event spread over three days, will be their fifth with the Archers looking to extend their domination and the Eagles raring to bounce back from three straight setbacks.

While training its sights on a fourth straight victory, La Salle is expected to have its hands full with Ateneo beefing up its roster with new recruits, headed by 2008 Florida State Amateur Open winner Jude Eustaquio, and the Eagles out to cap a banner year in sports.

“2008 is a banner year for Ateneo in sports and the momentum is on our side. However, we do not discount the fact that La Salle will be more resolute to make a four-peat coming into the matches. Either way, we are determined to give them one big fight,” said Ateneo team skipper Bobby Ysip during yesterday’s launch of the event at the Highlands China Palace at Mall of Asia.

Losing the last three duels will be the driving force for the Eagles, who ruled the inaugurals at Sherwood in 2004.

“But like in golf, the challenge is to focus on the present and learn from the past and make the adjustments. While the odds are against us coming into the matches, we need to put that behind us with a newer resolve and hopefully come out victorious,” said Ysip.

Still, Ateneo admits that La Salle has enjoyed a deeper bench through the years, boasting of players who are members of the national pool. But the Eagles have proven that they could match up with the Archers man for man as they did in the singles matches in last year’s edition.

“It will be difficult (to win four straight) but we will go for it,” said La Salle team captain Freddie Mendoza. “The probability of us winning again is lower because we will be facing probably the strongest Ateneo team this year.”

Belle Corp., one of the country’s leading leisure property development companies, and Tagaytay Highlands, headed by founder Willy Ocier, have gained the rights to stage the high-profile duel for the next three years.

The event, held in cooperation with the De La Salle Alumni Association Golf Club and the Ateneo Golf Foundation, will feature the foursome and four-ball matches in the first two days with all 18 players from each squad to go head-to-head in the final day.

The Archers dominated the first two days last year then coasted to the victory despite losing in the singles matches.

This year, Ateneo will lean again on Iggy Clavecilla and Marty Ilagan for the poise and experience while former national champion Anthony Fernando and US campaigner Marcel Puyat will provide the fresh legs and stamina.

But the entry of Eustaquio is expected to fire up the Eagles all the more with the 20-year-old All-America squad member at Florida Southern College, who beat Orlando’s Garret Morrison by six to capture the Florida State plum, tipped to provide the power and inspiration to a team itching to put one over its arch rival.

Miko Alejandro, the top scorer for La Salle last year, will banner the La Salle squad that also includes reigning back-to-back national ladies champion Anya Tanpinco, also a SEA Games silver medalist and winner of the recent Selangor Open.