Batang Pinoy standout Jenaila Prulla is hoping to get far once again on her second campaign in the 16-under level.
The 13-year-old Prulla showed her determination when she upset third seed Kryshana Brazal, 6-1, 6-2, yesterday in the second round of a tennis tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Prulla, who is from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, made Brazal chase her crosscourt volleys all throughout the game to advance to the quarterfinal round.
“Pinapatakbo ko po siya sa mga bola ko. ‘Pag may pagkakataon, palo na,” said Prulla, a ninth grader at the First City Providential School in Bulacan.
The power-hitting Prulla also reached the 14-under girls’ action when she outplayed Alexa Joy Milliam.
Prulla is coached by her brother Justine, a member of the National University team.
She got inspired to move up in level last year after winning the 13-under crown of the 2018 Batang Pinoy tennis championships in Baguio.
On her first stint in the 16-under level, she reached the finals of the 14-under level in an Olongapo age-group meet last month.
Earlier, fifth seed Nina Sandejas prevailed over Margaud Rosales, 6-0, 6-1, to reach the quarterfinal round of the girls’ 16-under category.
Sandejas is one of the three tennis-playing daughters of Olympic swimmer Christine Jacobs.
She is also in the quarterfinals of the 18-under category following a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Eliana Misa.
