Altas, Red Cubs put away NCAA crowns

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help captured its first men’s tennis crown in 16 years  while San Beda snapped La Salle Green Hills’ decade-long domination in juniors  football in separate NCAA action yesterday.

Powered by Most Valuable Player Kim Saraza, the Altas spoiled Letran’s bid for a fifth straight crown with a 2-0 shutout in the men’s tennis finals at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Saraza tripped Adjuthur Moralde, 7-5, 6-1, in singles before teaming up with Russell Arcilla in a three-set conquest of Moralde and Bryan Sarenas, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, in the doubles match.

The Altas, who picked up their third overall crown in the sport, last reigned in the 1996-1997 season.

In juniors  football, the Red Cubs completed a 3-0 sweep of the single-round Final Four to clinch the championship and end the Greenies’ 10-year reign.

The Red Cubs, who also swept the eliminations, capped a perfect season with a 1-0 triumph over Arellano at Ascom pitch in Taguig City.

Miguel Mendoza struck in extra time for the Red Cubs and season MVP and Best Midfielder Jerome Marzan also shone along with Best Defender John Abraham.

The Greenies settled for runner-up honors with a 2-1 slate aside from copping the Fifa Fair Play award.

Arellano finished with a 1-2 card, while Emilio Aguinaldo College dropped its final three matches.

“It was a collective effort,” said San Beda rookie coach Gerald Orcullo of the victory.

Other top individual performers were La Salle’s Enrico Barcia as Best Goalkeeper and Arellano’s Roberto Corsame as Top Goal Scorer and Best Striker.