NU completes tennis romp with two titles

MANILA, Philippines - National University served, volleyed and smashed its way to a more successful UAAP tennis season – retaining the men’s crown and winning the women’s title on its second year of participation.

NU completed another perfect campaign in the men’s contest when the team of Most Valuable Player Fritz Chris Verdad, Leander Lazaro, John Jeric Accion, Jhun Anthony Alcoseba, Arc Dolorito, Al Khady Jainul, Dheo Talatayod, Juan Gabriel Pena and Al Michael Madrio defeated University of the Philippines, 3-2, in the decider at the Philippine Columbian Association covered courts recently.

The Bulldogs extended their perfect run to 22 matches dating back to last season. In the Season 74 debut of the team coached by Karl Santamaria, it already finished an impressive runner-up to perennial champion De La Salle.

Not to be outdone, the Lady Bulldogs leaned on season MVP Anna Christine Patrimonio as they wrested the title right on their second season – beating last year’s titlist De La Salle, 3-2, in Game Three of the finals series at the Olivares Sports Complex.

The women’s team, also coached by Santamaria, is also composed of Kimberly Kaye Uytico, Junnalyn Polito, Marie Gold Nagret, Anna Vienna Biernes, Jzash Eale Canja, Aziel Narah Manantan, Eren Louise Penados and Hanna Grace Espinosa.

No less than NU chairman of the board Hans Sy expressed his elation over the school’s twin victory that all but reared NU’s goal of achieving both academic and athletic success.

 â€œThe hard work and patience the team members put into the season reaped fruits that the school never experienced before,” said Sy, also the SM Prime Holdings president. “I congratulate them for their achievement and we in the board vow to support them further.”

NU’s conquest in both divisions was the first double championship in the league since University of Santo Tomas in Seasons 69 and 70 (2007 and 2008). Interestingly, it was Santamaria who coached UST to the feat before moving from España to nearby Jhocson in Sampaloc.