Eagles plot match play comeback vs Archers

A new game plan and the resolve to finally stop La Salle will be Ateneo’s motivation as the Eagles try to bounce back from three straight setbacks in the La Salle-Ateneo Match Play which reels off Dec. 19 at Tagaytay Highlands.

“La Salle has proven that it remains a formidable rival. We can only wish that our game plan will pay off in the end,” said Bobby Ysip, the man tasked to draw up Ateneo’s strategy after the Eagles’ three straight losses in the annual golfest between the country’s top institutions.

Ateneo won the inaugurals at Sherwood in 2004 but dropped the next three, including last year’s edition, also at Tagaytay Midlands, where the Archers dominated from start to finish.

This time, the Eagles are raring to soar again.

“History has taught us, so we are tackling things a little differently and have made some adjustments this year. Our goal is to hit the ground running,” said Ysip.

For one, the Loyola-based squad started its buildup for the big event early in the year, holding tryouts to fill up some spots left by at least four former mainstays, who have turned pro, and undergoing training from time to time.

“We started to practice and hold tryouts early this year as compared to previous years. Hopefully, they would reach peak form on match week,” said Ysip.

Iggy Clavecilla and Marty Ilagan are expected to provide the experience and poise while Marcel Puyat and Anthony Fernando the fresh legs and stamina for Ateneo in the three-day event organized and hosted by Belle Corp. and Tagaytay Highlands and sponsored by Fiji Water, Hawaiian Tropics and Pacific Online.

“All our players are seasoned players. I am confident that they can contribute the points. Match play is a team event and no single player outshines the other,” said Ysip.

The event, held in cooperation with the La Salle Golf Club Inc. and the Ateneo Golf Foundation, will feature the foursome and four-ball matches in the first two days with all 18 players of both sides clashing in head-to-head duels in the final day. Each side will be composed of 18 top amateur players (14 regular men, two seniors, two ladies) representing only the very “best of the best” from the rival schools.