Green Tennisters woes continue versus UST to end Round 1

Photo by: Karsten Villarin

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tennisters succumbed to the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 1-4, on Saturday, March 9, at the CSA Bulacan Tennis Courts.

In the five-match game against the España-based squad, only team captain Betto Orendain was able to notch a victory over his opponent.

Al Andrade opened the first singles for the Taft-based squad. A thrilling three-setter played for almost two hours did not keep Andrade from smashing, until he ultimately fell short, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6.

Inspired by Tennis icon Rafael Nadal, Raprap Teng and Jose Miguel Gran, also known as the Green Tennisters’ “Bandana Boys,” teamed up in the first doubles match. However, they also dropped a tough 6-7, 1-6 loss.

In the second singles, Jonah Cano made it only halfway through both sets with a 3-6, 3-6 result.

Orendain, who gave the Green Tennisters their lone win for the day, fired a quick 6-2, 6-3 victory against UST in the last singles match.

The duo of Rey Mayo and Gelo Cerezo got ousted, 2-6, 2-6, in the second doubles match to end the game.

With a win-loss record of 1-5, the DLSU Green Tennisters remained at the sixth place. They look to redeem themselves as they enter the second round of the eliminations. Keep going, Green Tennisters!

Lady Tennisters end Round 1 at the top after defeating UST

Photo by: Andrea Mateo

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Tennisters punched the top seed after the first round of eliminations after nailing a sweet 4-1 victory against the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses on Saturday, March 9, at the CSA Bulacan Tennis Courts.

Angel Santiago played the first singles match for La Salle as she yielded to a 4-6, 4-6 upset by her Golden Tigress counterpart.

However, team captain Jed Aquino paired up with Arianne Nillasca in the first doubles match of the game to put the Taft-based squad on the scoring board after three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

The Green and White rode their momentum as Lady Tennister Akiko De Guzman smashed out her opponent straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The second singles victory gave La Salle a 2-1 lead over UST.

Jenni Dizon and Kiezl Diaz showed top performance as they finished the second doubles match with another straight-setter, 6-3, 6-2, to seal the deal for the Lady Tennisters.

In the final singles match, Aubrey Calma put up a sweep in the first set to cap the game, 6-0, 6-3.

The DLSU Lady Tennisters finished the first round of eliminations with a 3-1 win-loss record. They enter the second round with a bye advantage. Keep the Animo burning, Lady Tennisters!

Lady Spikers suffer straight-set upset from Golden Tigresses

Photo By: Rina Mutiangpili

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers absorbed their second consecutive loss after losing to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses in straight sets, 20-25, 22-25, 17-25, on Wednesday, March 6, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

With both teams coming from a loss, La Salle and UST looked to bounce back. The start of the opening frame was a nip-and-tuck affair. The set was tied at 3-all before a 4-0 run from UST forced head coach Ramil de Jesus to regroup. De Jesus’ efforts to ice the Tigresses’ momentum proved futile as Sisi Rondina continued to score for UST. The Golden Tigresses’ lead ballooned to eight, 11-3, before Jolina dela Cruz stopped the bleeding for La Salle. The Lady Spikers showed signs of life after the scoring drought, sparking a 9-2 run and cutting the deficit to a single point, 12-13. DLSU looked on their way to a comeback but UST pulled away, securing another four-point lead, 16-12, heading into the second technical timeout. The defending champions attempted to get back into the set, pulling to as close as two points, 18-20, forcing UST to call for time. The Tigresses regained control off the timeout, extending their lead to four, 22-18. The two-point deficit proved to be the closest the Lady Spikers could get. Just three points away from closing the set, UST never looked back and pulled away, 25-20.

Following a closely contested first frame, the second set was not any different. Both teams exchanged blows. La Salle took an early two-point lead, 5-3, but the Tigresses would not fall behind. Rondina and Eya Laure powered UST’s offense, taking the lead, 8-7, heading into the first technical timeout. The Golden Tigresses continued their roll and built another three point lead, 10-7. A long rally ended by Cheng seemed to bring life to the Lady Spikers. A block by Aduke Ogunsanya, followed by an ace from Michelle Cobb brought the game to a deadlock at 10-all. The set went back-and-forth from that point on. Both teams broke the deadlock by a single point before the other team answered back. The set approached the final deadlock at 22-all coming from a reception error from UST. The window of opportunity opened up for the Lady Spikers but they failed to capitalize on it. Back-to-back errors by Cobb and Julia Ipac brought UST at set point before De Jesus tried to save the set with a timeout. But another error from DLSU sealed the team’s fate.

Down 0-2 in the match, the Lady Spikers started the third set with a three point blitz, 3-0. La Salle tried to take control of the set but Rondina was too much to handle for the green shirts. The UST star sparked a 6-1 run giving the Tigresses a two-point lead, 7-5. De Jesus tried to slow Rondina’s roll with a timeout. The cease fire worked for a while with La Salle making a 3-0 run, giving them the lead 8-7, heading into the first technical timeout. Coming off the timeout, the Golden Tigresses went back to business and regained the lead off a hit from Rondina, 9-8. Cheng and Dela Cruz tried to keep La Salle’s hopes alive tying the game at 12-all, however a series of errors from La Salle gave the Tigresses a four point lead, 16-12, heading into the second technical timeout. The four-point deficit and the two-to-none set lead dampened La Salle’s spirits. Off the timeout, the Golden Tigresses scored two more points, extending the lead to 18-12. A service error by Mafe Galanza capped the UST run. However, the error did nothing to slow Golden Tigresses’ roll as another 4-0 run buried the Lady Spikers in an eight-point hole, 13-21. With the defending champions on the ropes, Rondina went to work, taking the Tigresses to match point, 24-17. A last ditch effort by Cheng sailed out of bounds as La Salle lost the set, 17-25.

It was not a great offensive outing for the Lady Spikers with none of them scoring in double figures. Three Lady Spikers led the team in scoring. Julia Ipac, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Jolina Dela Cruz each tallied eight points. Cheng’s shoulder issues posed a problem for DLSU, scoring just seven points in the game.

On the UST side, the Tigresses did not seem to miss the services of Milena Alessandrini. The Rookie of the Year sustained an injury in their last game and is out for at least two weeks. With Alessandrini out, Sisi Rondina shouldered much of the offensive burden, exploding for 19 points, enough to sweep La Salle.

Catch the DLSU Lady Spikers (3-2) in action in their next game against the UE Lady Warriors on Saturday, March 9, 2 PM at the same venue.

Green Booters unable to secure season opener against UST

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters started their Season 81 campaign yesterday, February 17, at the FEU Fern Diliman with a loss to the the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 1-3.

At the 14th minute of the first half, John Rhey Lagura, one of the rookies for the Taft-based squad, drew first blood. Just a few moments however, the Green Booters lost their early 1-0 lead at the 17th minute. Conrad Dimacali converted one to tie the game, 1-1.

Entering the last few minutes of the first half, Juan Villanueva made another goal as the Season 80 first runner-up overtook La Salle. At the end of the first half, the Green Booters trailed the Growling Tigers, 1-2.

In the second half, La Salle attempted to convert another goal to get even with UST. Instead, Glen Ramos, a rookie from UST, contributed another one and put the Growling Tigers ahead by two goals, 3-1. The Yellow shirts held on to their lead until the final buzzer.

Even though the Green Booters were not able to clinch their first win, team captain Jed Diamante still commended the overall performance of the team. “Overall, the team performed well. We created chances and controlled the game at some crucial points.” He added that the team sees the game as a learning experience that would help them prepare for the following games.

Diamante and the rest of the Green Booters are very positive as they move on to their next match against Adamson University on February 24, 1 PM at the same venue. “The first match versus UST is done, now we look forward to the next game and continue taking on the season one game at a time.”

DLSU Woodpushers lay solid foundation to kick off UAAP Season 80

The De La Salle University Woodpushers opened their Season 80 with a solid weekend, as both the men’s and women’s team notched wins ovber their opponents at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion last weekend, February 17-18.

For Day 1 of the weekend chess games, the Green side got off to a blazing start, as both men’s and women’s teams bagged wins over their opponents.

Starting with the women’s division, the team of Bernadette Galas, Mira Mirano, Marie San Diego, and Ella Moulie of the Lady Woodpushers notched a 3.0-1.0 standing, winning 3 games and giving up just 1 to National University on Saturday.

The men’s team, likewise, picked up a victory to start the season. Against the University of Santo Tomas, the Green Woodpushers won 3 of their games and drew 1 to end the first day with a 3.5-0.5 standing, led by the foursome of Giovanni Mejia, Christian Nanola, Denzel Amar, and Jeazzir Surposa.

For their second foray of the weekend, La Salle garnered draws in both of their games last Sunday.

Taking on Far Eastern University, the Lady Woodpushers won 2 and lost 2 against the Morayta-based squad. As for the Green Woodpushers, they also recorded a 2.0-2.0 card against University of the Philippines’ chess team.

La Salle looks to build from a solid weekend of game as UAAP Season 80 chess continues. The Green Woodpushers will take on Adamson University, while the Lady Woodpushers will take on Ateneo on Saturday, February 24. As for the games on Sunday, February 25, the Green Woodpushers will take on Ateneo while the Lady Woodpushers will take on University of the East.

Ara Galang leads DLSU to third straight win

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The DLSU Lady Spikers cruised to their third win in as many games after defeating the UST Tigresses in three straight sets, 25-23, 27-25, 25-17.

Unlike their first two matches, DLSU had a quick start in the first set as they led UST by five points coming into the first technical timeout. UST however, quickly bounced back to keep the set close and even had the lead at 23-22. Despite having 10 errors, DLSU was still able to win the set thanks to the clutch points scored by Cyd Demecillo.

The second set was as tight as it could get, with both teams playing solid floor and net defense leading to long rallies. There was confusion with the score toward the end of the set after DLSU scored off a block from Eli Soyud and the point was not added to DLSU’s score. Coach Ramil De Jesus contested but the game officials did not budge and the score remained the same. The Lady Spikers however, kept their cool and eventually took the set.

In the third set, DLSU pounced on UST’s low morale and was able to pull away and win the set convincingly.

Captain Ara Galang led the way once again for the Lady Spikers, scoring 21 points coming from 16 attacks, two blocks, and three service aces while Cyd Demecillo showed composure in getting the clutch points for DLSU. Cienne Cruz, who came off the bench also helped DLSU a lot with her steady reception and excellent floor defense. On the downside, DLSU committed a whopping 28 errors which is already equivalent to more than one full set.

Rookie EJ Laure on the other hand, top scored for the UST Tigresses with 12 points while Pam Lastimosa added seven points.

The DLSU Lady Spikers will go for their fourth straight win on December 6, 2pm, at the San Juan Arena as they face a winless UP Lady Maroons squad.

The scores:

LA SALLE (3) – Galang 21, Demecillo 15, Reyes 6, Baron 5, Fajardo 3, Soyud 2, Cheng 1, Dy 0 Macandili (L) 0, Ci. Cruz (0).

UST (0) – Laure 12, Lastimosa 7, De Leon 6, Tunay 4, Meneses 4, Cabanos 2, Rondina 1, Pacres 1, Cortez 0, Verutiao 0, Alterado 0, Dusaran (L) 0.

Lady Spikers brimming with confidence ahead of title clash against UST

DLSU vs. UST Beach Volleyball Preview

The DLSU Lady Spikers secured their spot in the UAAP season 77 beach volleyball finals after beating the defending champions, Adamson University. DLSU’s Kim Fajardo and Cyd Demcillo needed only one game to oust Adamson after beating them in dominating fashion, 21-11, 21-14.

De La Salle University will face UST’s Cherry Rondina and Rica Jane Rivera in the finals; the same team which gave them their lone loss of the season. “Yung makakaharap kasi namin sa finals, UST [ay ‘yung] same team na tumalo sa amin noong simula pa lang ng tournament. Straight sets pa yun. Kaya mahihirapan pero sana maka adjust na si Cyd at makuha sana namin yung championship,” (We will be facing UST. The same team that beat us at the start of the tournament. We will have a hard time but I hope Cyd will be able to adjust and I’m hoping that we’ll get the championship), said head coach, Ramil De Jesus.

“Ngayon medyo nag-iba. Nagtraining kami last Tuesday and Wednesday tapos nanood yung buong team. Naramdaman talaga namin yung tiwala at suporta nila,” (Now it kind of changed. We trained last Tuesday and Wednesday then the whole team watched. We really felt their trust and support), said reigning UAAP best setter Kim Fajardo. “Syempre nakakatuwa yun, kaya ginagawa talaga namin yung best namin.” (Of course that makes us happy, that’s why we are really doing our best).

Ara Galang, the third player for DLSU’s beach volleyball team feels that her teammates can get the crown, “Nakikita naman natin na maganda talaga nilalaro nila ngayon. Kaya nila yan” (We can see that they are really playing well now. They can do it). At the start of the tournament, Ara mentioned that their biggest advantage would be having a heart of a champion–something she wishes that they could count on in the finals.

“Kailangan lang siguro namin baguhin yung mga maling ginawa namin nung first game against UST tapos sana makaadjust na kami this time” (Maybe we just need to change the wrong things that we did during our first game against UST then hopefully we’ll be able to adjust this time) said Cyd Demecillo. “Bilog ang bola. Sana. Nandito na din kami kaya we want to grab the opportunity” (Ball is round. Hopefully. We are already here that’s why we want to grab the opportunity).

UST, needing to win twice, will have a thrice-to-beat advantage in the finals after sweeping the eliminations round with a record of 7-0. When asked if she thinks they can win the championship despite UST’s huge advantage, Kim’s answer was short and sweet, “Oo naman” (of course).

The DLSU Lady Spikers will try to put a blemish on UST’s perfect record this season as they start their finals showdown on Saturday, September 6, 9:30am at the UE Caloocan sand court. Game two of the finals will be played on the same day at 11:00am.

 

Hitting the Mark: DLSU Judokas Finish Strong in UST Judo Invitational

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Returning to the mats to kick off a series of pre-season tournaments, the DLSU Judokas showed that they are still a formidable team despite losing its senior members during the inaugural Tigers Cup: UST Judo Invitational held last April 26 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.  The medal haul of the team’s rookies at the end of the invitational proved that losing the team’s senior players will not equate to a weak squad.

Defending Their Success

Coming off a championship last UAAP Season 76, the Lady Judokas continued their winning ways after notching two gold medals courtesy of Marjorie Santiago and Justine Pongase in  the  -63kg  and  +78kg  weight  categories  respectively.  In  addition,  Samantha  Gaerlan, competing in the -45kg weight division, brought home a silver medal.

Continuing the Fight

Playing more determined than ever, the Green Judokas brought their A-game in the said invitational.  Despite the absence of the team’s senior members, the team captured gold medals with Keith Reyes and Adrian Perillo topping the +100kg and -55kg weight categories respectively.  Michael Borja added a silver medal in the -73kg weight division while Fernando Cortes finished with a bronze medal in the +100kg weight division to complete the medal haul for the Green Judokas.

Room for Improvement

Praising the incredible display of technique shown by the squad, incoming Assistant Coach Keith Ver, also a former Green Judoka, shared that the team’s mental toughness and preparation towards matches will be the key focus areas for improvement moving forward.

 

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