ALTAS Lawn Tennis Team Begin Campaign In 87th NCAA Season

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta seeks to end a long title drought as it goes for its first championship in more than a decade as the 87th NCAA lawn tennis competition unfurls on today at the Rizal Tennis Center. Russel Arcilla, younger brother of Davis Cup veteran and former RP No. 1 Johnny and one of the country's top junior players and a frequent campaigner in yearly the Philippine Columbian Association Championship, will spearhead the Altas' ambitious title campaign this year as he will team up with Elson Solon, another strong player in the junior circuit.

"We're optimistic we'll have a strong performance this year," said Perpetual's tennis coach Belen Dante.

Like the seniors' squad, the Junior Altas are also going all out to get that champion's trophy with Karl Rodriguez and Jomari Flora forming their 1-2 punch.

The Las Pinas-based school is in search of its first seniors crown since winning back-to-back championships from 1996 and 1997 while its high school team is eyeing its first since going all the way 16 seasons back.

Arcilla and Solon will have to fend off an expected strong challenge from the Letran Knights, who reigned supreme in the event in the last three years while Rodriguez and Flora will get fierce competition from the San Beda Lions, the reigning back-to-back titlists.

"Nothing is easy but our goal is always to win to give our best and win," said Dante.

League president Anthony Tamayo of season host Perpetual Help the school is behind the lawn tennis team.

"We'll be supporting all our teams from start to finish and we wish them luck," said Tamayo, who also chairs the league policy board.(DCA)