St. Benilde relied on its singles victories to turn back an upset-conscious San Sebastian, 2-1, to close in on the men’s title at the start of the second round of the 92nd NCAA lawn tennis tournament at the Rizal Tennis Center yesterday.
Jet Asilo waylaid John Sanga, 6-2, 6-3, in the reverse singles match to seal the match for the Blazers, who swept the eliminations that concluded Thursday with nine wins to clinch the first round pennant.
Radha Reyes edged Francis Panaligan, 6-3, 7-6 (5), in the opening singles to give St. Benilde the early edge but Ramzie Manonsong and John Paul Gulfo outlasted Mav Victoria and Carl Catedral, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, in the doubles the level the match at one apiece.
Asilo then came through to wrap it all up for the Blazers.
The win sent St. Benilde two wins away from clinching the second crown overall in the sport after copping its first and only championship 13 years ago.
It will take on San Beda and Letran in their last two outings hoping to accomplish such feat.