Lady Archers top UAAP table tennis

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle showed resiliency to dethrone University of the Philippines, 3-2, and clinch the women’s crown in the UAAP Season 75 table tennis tournament Thursday night at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Staring at the possibility to sending the Finals series to a decider, newcomer Donna Gamilla took charge for the Lady Archers to bag their first title in eight years.

The 16-year old Gamilla, who was named the season’s top rookie, eked out an 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 win over last year’s MVP Bea Magpantay of the Lady Maroons in the deciding singles match.

It was the second women’s championship for La Salle, which lost for the first time in the tournament after dropping a close 2-3 decision to UP in Game 2 to end its 13-game winning streak.

Ian Lariba of the Lady Archers went home with the tournament MVP honors, while her mentor Lauro Crisostomo was named the best coach.

Prior to this run, La Salle, which also ruled the women’s taekwondo this semester, first copped the women’s table tennis championship in 2004.