By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — University of Santo Tomas secured the final twice-to-beat advantage after a thrilling playoff, edging out defending champion National University, 3-2, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Tournament, Wednesday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
With the overall tie hanging in the balance, Nash Agustines and Richard Bautista delivered under pressure.
The two outlasted Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla in a tense first doubles match, 6-4, 7-6(1), to seal the victory for the UST Male Tennisters in this tournament, which is also supported by Wilson Philippines.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UST had built an early lead thanks to Ericjay Tangub, who defeated Isaac Lim, 6-3, 6-4, in third singles.
The Bulldogs responded through Alexis Acabo, who notched a 6-2, 7-5 win over Christopher Sonsona in first singles.
Andrei Padao then swung the momentum back to NU, taking down Evan Bacalso, 6-4, 6-4, in second singles, giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Refusing to give up, UST’s Steven Sonsona and Al Zayeed Baid battled back in second doubles, defeating Jules Lazaro and Miguel Vicencio, 6-1, 6-4, to set the stage for the decisive first doubles match.
“Napakaimportante po na makuha ‘yung twice-to-beat para hindi na po sobrang pressure pagdating ng Sabado, at para maka-gain kami ng confidence,” said Baid.
The Final Four begins Saturday, with twice-to-beat University of the Philippines taking on University of the East. On the other side, UST — also holding a twice-to-beat edge — faces NU again at the same Bulacan venue.
