La Salle, Ateneo begin golf duel

A SPIRITED battle is expected today in the first round of the La Salle-Ateneo Match Play 2008, with both teams out to come out with a strong start for the much-needed momentum in the Ryder Cup-style event at the Tagaytay Midlands.

Both camps have vowed to surprise each other with their combinations in the foursomes (alternate shot) and four-ball (better-ball) matches, hoping to dictate the tempo and put the pressure on the other in a rivalry so intense both schools had to tap the best talents to ensure victory.

Tee-off is at 7 a.m.

The Archers dominated the foursome and four-ball matches in last year’s edition and coasted to a six-point romp despite yielding the singles matches to annex their third straight triumph in the event organized and hosted by Belle Corporation and Tagaytay Highlands.

This time, the Taft-based squad, skippered by Freddie Mendoza, is wary of the Eagles.

"It will be difficult to win four straight. But we will have a different game plan. We will be coming up with new match-ups, with key roles for our youth brigade," said Mendoza.

Miko Alejandro, the top scorer for La Salle last year, is back along with Kim Hong and Anya Tanpinco, the reigning national champion and silver medalist in the last SEA Games, former PSC commissioner Richie Garcia and former national champion Francis Gaston.