SBC netters sweep NCAA Final 4, cop first crown in 15 years

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda College snapped a 15-year spell in men’s tennis as the Red Netters swept the Final Four to capture the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center recently.

Vince Carlo Ramiscal led SBC’s charge as the Red Netters turned back the Letran side, 2-1, edged the College of St. Benilde squad, 2-1, before routing the University of Perpetual Help Systems Dalta netters, 3-0.

Ramiscal, a second year marketing student from Pangasinan, went on to bag the MVP crown.

Other members of the SBC team were Eric Fernandez, also from Pangasinan, Andre Tuason, who transferred from Saudi Arabia, and Cebuano doubles specialist Wishmark “Macoy” Basanal.

In juniors play, current Palarong Pambansa singles gold medalist and three-time MVP Noel Mariano Damian Jr. from Zamboanga City spearheaded San Beda’s amazing 12-0 romp en route to nailing their third straight NCAA championship.

The high school record stands at five straight under legendary Bedan coach Henry Diy.

Backing up Damian were Eduardo Bagaforo, Aidyll Ignacio, Dawson Ormoc, Red Directo and Karl Miguel.

Head coach Jovy Mamawal, who also mentored San Beda’s last seniors champion squad in 1999-2000 with now national coach Cris Cuarto, lawyer Julius Arca, banker JR Arias, IT specialists Jan Blando and Dodong Filipinas, tennis mentors Mike Paz and Ric Filipinas, with marketing executives Ali Serquina and Joel Maligat, also copped his 19th overall NCAA crown.

Other members of the coaching staff were Gerber Mamawal, Jopy Mamawal, Kevin Mamawal and Davis Alano.