The #BenildeNetters and #LadyNetters cemented their dynasties, securing their fourth and third straight titles after they prevailed over the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags and the University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA (UPHSD) Acers, respectively, on Feb. 27, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.
In the singles match, Czarina Miraflor lost the opening set but bounced back in the decisive set. The Green and White staged a comeback, clinching the following two pivotal points, ending the match at 2-1.
Next on the court were Melody Dizon and Kiana De Asis, who dominated and closed the match with two straight sets, 6-2.
Meanwhile, the men’s team brought out the same intensity as they defended the crown against the Perpetual Acers. After an intense opening battle, Marco Macalintal captured the set in a tiebreaker point against Al Balazo. He closed out the match in the second set with a score of 6-2.
The action continued with Andrew Garcia Jr. and Pete Rodriguez, who faced off against the Perpetual Acers’ Nuguit and Cantiga. The opening set started strong for the Blazing Netters, outperforming and edging the Acers, 7-5. Determined to extend the match, the Las Piñas remained fearless as they claimed the second set with a score of 6-2. In the deciding round, both teams battled back and forth, trading points, but the Taft squad stayed composed and closed out the game, cementing a historic run as they claimed their fourth straight NCAA league title.
Speaking with The Benildean in an exclusive interview, the newly minted MVPs reflected on the effort behind their victories. Miraflor admitted the championship was far from easy. “Siyempre po, nakaka-overwhelm kasi parang kanina, hindi mo masabi kung anong magiging resulta ng game,” she shared.
For Macalintal, the victory carried historic weight. “Pinaghirapan talaga ‘to. Grabe po yung coach namin sa pag-set ng training. Yung fitness na meron kami, sobrang hirap talaga ng ginagawa namin,” he revealed.
Despite the weight of expectations following her decorated rookie MVP campaign in Season 100, Miraflor emphasized that the team never relied on past victories as assurance of another crown. “As in balik training po talaga kami. Yung mindset namin, kinundisyon namin na hindi porket kami ang nag-champion last season, guarantee na magcha-champion kami ulit,” she explained.
Looking ahead, the Lady Netter remains hungry for growth. “Next season, I’m hoping to improve on many things. Hopefully mas kargado, mas magandang performance pa yung maipapakita.” Macalintal added, “We will come again stronger and stronger because of our coach na sobrang hands-on sa practice namin.”
Beyond the court, both MVPs expressed gratitude to their families, mentors, and teammates who supported them throughout the season. The Blazing Netters likewise acknowledged the Benildean community for their unwavering support. “Sobrang nagpapasalamat po kami sa Benildean community na nagpunta dito at sumuporta. Full support all throughout, from start hanggang matapos. Maraming salamat po.”
