Cebuana netter shares glorious moment with beloved grandma

CEBU, Philippines — Multi-titled Cebuana netter Allyssa Mae Ceniza Bornia swiftly made an impact in her rookie season with the National University (NU) lawn tennis varsity team in the prestigious University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) based in Manila.

The 19-year-old Bornia formed part of the NU squad that topped the Ateneo Invitational Team Tennis Championships 2018 three days ago at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Loyola Campus tennis courts in Quezon City.

Playing alongside Anna Clarice Patrimonio, Jzash Eale Canja, Alliah Elline Ragunton, Annielove Tumanda, Gizza Mae Antalan, Danna Mariella Abad, Carlyn Bless Guarde and Ellah Mae Espina, they put the NU Bulldogs back in the upper echelon of UAAP tennis.

But more than reaping honor for herself and bringing glory to her school with her breakthrough triumph on the bigger stage,  Bornia takes pride for having accomplished something special for her beloved grandmother Minda Ceniza.

"Actually, I wasn't able to play in the entire elimination round because I went back to Cebu due to a family emergency. My grandmother was hospitalized for almost a month and I had to go home but she's okay now," said Bornia, an NU freshman taking up Bachelor of Science in Psychology. "I'm very thankful to my coaches Karl Santamaria, Ronard Joven and Johnny Arcilla as well as to my teammates for being so understanding and patient with me."

Without Bornia, NU wiped out San Beda College, 5-0, slammed Ateneo Team B, 4-1, before eking out a 3-2 decision over the University of the Philippines (UP) to advance into the Final Four.

With Bornia on board in the semifinals, NU dashed the title hopes of Ateneo Team A via a 3-2 cliffhanger, then reaffirmed their dominance over San Beda, 5-0, to clinch the coveted championship.

"I played with the team when it was semis already," said Bornia. "And I promised myself to make up for my team and most especially for my grandma. That is why I dedicate this win for her."

Before hooking up with NU, Bornia is a decorated racquet-wielder out of the University of San Carlos. She seized gold medals in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) and Batang Pinoy in 2016 and in the Palarong Pambansa last year, making her one of the winningest junior tennis players in Cebu.

With her most latest victory, Bornia yearns to create a ripple of inspiration for others, and that is to never give up in pursuit of their dreams despite all the slings and arrows that smack their way.

"I want to inspire the kids that inspite of all the trials and tribulations they will go through, they will not easily give up on their desire to become one of the best tennis players they could possibly be," ended Bornia.