Prodigious Cruz strikes with 2 titles

MANILA, Philippines –Unheralded Monica Therese Cruz ran roughshod over the opposition to bag the 14- and 16-under crowns of the recent Boy Leonora Memorial Cup age-group tennis championships at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Cruz, who hails from Naga City, shocked her seeded foes, disposing of No. 1 Mikaela Vicencio, 6-1, 6-1, and then toppling second seed Melanie Dizon, 6-2, 6-0, for the 14-under title.

Unseeded in the 16-under, Cruz,  stunned No. 2 Colleen Sioson, 6-0, 6-1, in the semifinals and then pulled the rug from under No. 1 Frances Santiago, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, in the finals.

Cruz’s twin victories capped her amazing run from March to April as she won eight titles in four different national-level tournaments.

The 14-year-old 8th-grader from Mary Bree Village Academy started her winning swing with victories in the 14-under and 16-under categories of the Palawan Pawnshop regionals.

She also ruled the same age groups in Angeles City, highlighted by her 6-0, 6-0 rout of Alexandra Eala in the 14-under title match.

Cruz also came away with two titles in the 6th Henry Lee Memorial at Manila Polo Club.

Cruz bested top seed Chloe Mae Saraza, 6-1, 6-4, and Alexie Santos, 6-4, 0-6, 7-6 (8-6), for the 16- and 14-under titles, respectively.