The Blazing Netters and Lady Netters continue their reign as the undisputed kings and queens of the tennis court bagging a three-peat and two-peat respectively on March 28. Leading the charge are two shining stars from both divisions of the tournament, step onto the hard court and meet the faces of Benilde’s Tennis supremacy.
At the forefront of this green and white dynasty are Czarina Claire Miraflor and Marco Macalintal, both awarded as the Freshman of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Most Valuable Player. Adding to the championship sweep, Coach John Rey Moreno was once again crowned as Coach of the Year.
In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, both Miraflor and Macalintal looked back on their journeys to victory.
From the baseline
Miraflor reminisced on how her curiosity in lawn tennis has led her to this moment, “When I was in elementary, I would pass by the tennis court at my school and watch my dad train young aspiring tennis players. I was intrigued and wanted to learn the sport. I asked my dad if he could teach me how to play and he agreed excitedly.”
Macalintal also shared how his uncle was influential in his tennis career, “Sinasama po niya ako sa tennis court palagi hanggang sa nagustuhan ko na rin po laruin.”
Also instrumental to the team’s continued success was the Benilde Center for Sports Development (CSD), “[CSD] has trained us not just only to be physically and mentally ready, but also to carry with us the Benildean values and spirit,” Miraflor added.
Reminding young athletes to excel on and off the court Macalintal shared, “Basta meron pong matinding focus, hard work, and discipline, may patutunguhan ang sacrifices natin.” In the same way, Miraflor emphasized that tennis is a world of lessons, opportunities, and self-discovery, “Remember, every champion started from scratch, often as ball boys or ball girls… Even if you have achieved a great height in your tennis career, keep your feet on the ground and never forget your humble beginnings.”
Beyond the rallies
Macalintal and Miraflor expressed their sincere gratitude to the Benildean community and the CSD for supporting their journey, along with coach Moreno and his assistant tacticians Allan Rey Moreno, Auddie Moreno, and Bea Ysabel Ebriega for their constant support and imbuing humility in them.
Macalintal acknowledged his uncle, Alvin Felisan, for for being a guiding force since his early beginnings, as well as the rest of the coaching staff, “Sobrang laking pasasalamat din po sa office sa moral support na binigay po nila during the season [at] sa mga PT na gumabay po sa amin para mas maenhance ‘yung mobility namin.”
He also attributed his achievements to his family and girlfriend, “Sa magulang ko po na laging nakaalalay sa mga desisyon ko sa buhay and sa girlfriend ko pong super supportive na kahit saan po ako maglaro eh lagi kong kasama.”
Miraflor credited her teammates, “You became my family where I really felt your unconditional love and support.” The NCAA champion acknowledged her roots in Aklan too, thanking Coach Ronald Martin for his support and her teammates “Batang Onay,” “You guys never forget your Ate Cleo and showered me with love and encouraging words that would always motivate me to do my best in all my games.”
Maintaining their competitive edge, the Blazing Netters and Lady Netters secure a golden championship sweep with new stars stepping into the spotlight. Concluding their Season 100 run with a bang, they continue to be a force to be reckoned with, setting the stage for a brighter green and white legacy.
