DLS-Zobel wrests division crown in ISTA tourney

MANILA, Philippines - De La Salle-Zobel bested a tough field to capture the girls’ Division 1 crown in the Inter-School Tennis Association (ISTA) team tournament at Colegio San Agustin in Makati recently.

Led by veteran internationalist Khim Iglupas, the DLS-Z squad stamped its class to claim the championship in the event put up to promote tennis among elementary and high school students.

ISTA has currently around 21 active schools and caters to over 40 teams throughout the country, especially in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon.

Other ISTA member schools are Assumption College, Ateneo de Manila, Beacon School, Brent International School, British School Manila, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Colegio de San Agustin, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Faith Academy, St. Paul Pasig, Immaculate Concepcion Academy, International School Manila, La Salle Greenhills, Saint Pedro Poveda College, Southridge School, St. Scholastica’s College, Woodrose School and Xavier School.

Assumption College placed second while Immaculate Concepcion Academy took third place in the event that also features the girls’ Division 2 and boys’ Division 1 and 2. The awards rites will be held later this month.

A recruit from Mindanao, Iglupas has represented the country in various international competitions such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

“It really is an advantage when you get to play outside the country,” said Iglupas.

Coach Jesusa Ramona Flores, the incumbent secretary of ISTA, said students have taken the sport seriously, which could serve as their ticket to college as scholars, like Iglupas.

DLS-Z has also produced notable star athletes like Isabella Katrina and Patricia Joy Orteza, and Rafaela Villanueva while Colegio de San Agustin boasts of alumni Jessica Agra and Sarah Lim, who now play for their respective schools in the UAAP.

“Tennis has helped us become more focused and our parents have also been very supportive,” said Dara Alyssa Tan, ICA varsity team captain, whose Division 1 team will represent San Juan in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa.

Flores said tennis may not be as popular as basketball or volleyball but it is gaining momentum, especially with the recent staging of the inaugural International Premier Tennis League that featured world superstars Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.