Miguel Lagac returned to the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex with the same dominant form and unwavering resolve that defined his spectacular run here last February, sweeping two boys’ singles titles at the Mayor’s Cup Age Group Tennis Championships last Monday.

As the top seed in the 16U division, Lagac shook off a gritty, opening-set challenge from Martin Paulsen before re-asserting his might to fashion a 7-5, 6-1 victory. Refusing to slow down, Lagac then moved up to the 18U division, where he soundly trounced France Dilao, 6-2, 6-0, in the finals to pocket his second trophy of the day, replicating his identical twin-title feat at the Arcillas Cup five months prior.

With his latest triumphs, Lagac has cemented himself as a dominant force across two age groups halfway through the season with the rising Pasig tennis prodigy looking primed to get even better as the nationwide circuit progresses into its intensive second half.

Matching Lagac’s exploits on the girls’ side was Ella Mhae Paglalunan, who put on a clinic in perseverance and grit, ultimately sharing the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honors with Lagac after capturing three separate titles.

In the 14U singles finals, the top-ranked Paglalunan had to weather some anxious moments, engineering a brilliant comeback to rally past her No. 2-seeded doubles partner, Amanda Barrido, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2.

The Gen. Trias, Cavite standout’s path to the 16U crown was an even more dramatic display of giant-killing poise. Entering the bracket as the No. 8 seed, Paglalunan first benefited from a 1-0 (retired) victory over top-seeded Lilith Rufino in the quarterfinals. From there, she displayed relentless spunk, upending No. 4 Jasmine Solis, 6-2, 6-1, in the semifinals before blasting past No. 2 Vania Parawan, 6-1, 6-1, in the championship match.

Paglalunan completed her golden treble by teaming up with Barrido in the 18U doubles as the duo held off Parawan and Michaela Suarez, 8-5, to claim the plum.

The girls’ 18U singles division provided its own share of high-stakes drama. Muntinlupa’s Justine Casiller snared the coveted diadem in thrilling fashion, outlasting a resilient Parawan in a grueling three-set battle, 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, to earn her place at the top of the podium.