SSC netters bag NCAA crown

San Sebastian College won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s tennis title via a 10-game sweep last Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Mentored by former World Youth Cup veteran Frederick Morgan, the Stags scored a 2-1 victory over defending champion Letran for its first-ever title since 1992.

Nino Salvador, the country’s No. 5 player, powered San Sebastian’s win with a 6-4, 6-0 decision over Carlito Rojo in the first singles.

Salvador teamed up with Arvin Ruel, younger brother of RP Davis Cupper Rolando Ruel, to beat Michael Mantua and Menandro Econg, 6-4, 6-1, in the doubles. Econg won by default over Michael Tenoria in the second singles.

"We’re all happy for this title victory," said the 26-year-old Morgan, a rookie member of the 1992 champion team. "I’m proud of my players for putting up their best effort and winning the title this year," added the regular campaigner in the men’s circuit.

The juniors title went to College of St. Benilde of Timothy Alcos. The Baby Blazers demolished multi-titled San Beda, 3-0.

Irwin de Guzman, many-time member of the RP junior team, won the first singles over fellow national junior Nestor Celestino Jr., 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

De Guzman and Lawrence Magaway took the doubles over Jopy Mamawal and Celestino, 6-3, 6-2, while Magaway walked over Mamawal in the second singles.