Letran completes NCAA tennis five-peat

MANILA, Philippines – Letran turned back a gritty Perpetual Help, 2-1, to clinch its fifth straight title in the senior division of the 90th NCAA lawn tennis tournament at the rain-soaked Rizal Tennis Center Tuesday.

Down a match after Ian Valenzuela's 0-6, 1-6 defeat to Ed Adrian Parangan in the first singles, the Knights fought their way back as Bryan Saarenas and Adjuthor Moralde trounced Chad Bautista and Renz Sevilla, 6-2, 6-2, in the doubles and Jeffrie Jumawan grounded Elbert Bacong, 6-3, 6-1, in the second singles to seal the crown.

It was the fifth straight championship by the Muralla-based netters, who also snared the first round pennant.

Letran's win over Perpetual rendered its final match against San Sebastian, winless in two outings in the second round, insignificant as the former already clinched the title regardless of that result.

"The school and the whole Letran community are proud of their accomplishments, they worked hard for it," said Letran athletic moderator and Management Committee member Fr. Vic Calvo, OP.

San Beda, for its part,  smashed Letran on to book its back-to-back juniors crown.

Noel Damian bashed Jose Nicolas Cano, 6-3, 6-1, and Andre Rodriguez and Edijardo Bagatoro turned back Marcus and Miguel del Rosario, 6-4, 6-2, to give coach Jovy Mamawal his 18th championship in the NCAA.

"We dedicate this win to San Beda, without them, we will couldn't have done this," said Mamawal.

In the other seniors match, San Beda edged San Sebastian, 2-1, on wins by Vince Ramiscal over Arjohn dela Cruz, 6-3, 6-4, and Andre Tuason and Whiamark Basanid over Arman Artuz and Ryan Labastida, 6-1, 7-5.

The Stags' only triumph came from Francis Parangan, who outlasted Christian Alcantara, 6-2, 7-5.