By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — Defending champion National University secured its first win of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Tennis Tournament with a commanding 5-0 victory over struggling Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
The Bulldogs were coming off a stunning 1-4 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons last Sunday.
“I tell the players na they need to play more loose in this game,” said NU head coach Bobby Esquivel. “Unang game namin against UP, ‘yung kalaban namin ay ‘yung sarili namin dahil nga pressuring…[so] we really needed to adjust. Ngayon, mas nag-focus ‘yung mga bata doon sa mga kanya-kanya nilang mga roles as singles players and doubles players.”
The Bulldogs quickly asserted control, starting with a dominant performance in third singles as Alexis Acabo overwhelmed Gab Quintana, 6-0, 6-0, to put NU on the board.
Jules Lazaro followed suit in first singles, dismantling Gabby Calilung, 6-0, 6-1, to extend the lead to 2-0.
Isaac Lim then endured a tough challenge in second singles, fending off JD Velez in a closely contested 7-5, 7-5 win, keeping the momentum firmly with the Bulldogs.
In first doubles, Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla secured the tie with a 6-1, 6-1 win over JB Cuarto and Lukas Yupangco.
With the overall victory already sealed, Miguel Vicencio and Kristopher Espinosa completed the sweep in second doubles, overpowering JC Pabillore and Vito Singson, 6-1, 6-3, delivering a clinical performance for the reigning kings.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, University of the East maintained its momentum, edging University of Santo Tomas, 3-2, to keep its perfect 3-0 record.
JB Aguilar proved decisive in second singles, turning back Ericjay Tangub, 7(6)-6, 3-6, 7-5, in a battle that was tied 5-5 with multiple deuces before the Red Warrior finished strong to clinch the tie.
Earlier, UE struck first through Marc Suson, who edged Christopher Sonsona, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, in third singles. Allyson Cabanilla then widened the gap with a gritty 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Sebastian Santos in first singles.
UST responded in second doubles as Nash Agustines and Brent Cortes defeated Kent Morales and RJ Baje, 6-3, 6-2. Richard Bautista and Evan Bacalso then capped the Male Tennisters’ charge, securing a 6-3, 6-1 win over Kiz Bryan Cinco and Kian Sanchez in second doubles.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On the other hand, De La Salle University proved too strong for Adamson University, winning 4-1 for its first victory.
Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo outlasted Tristan Correos and Nikko Lumahang in a thrilling second doubles encounter, 7-5, 0-6, 14-12, to guide the Green Tennisters to overall victory.
DLSU’s JT Bernardo opened singles play with a 6-0, 7-5 triumph over Vinz Bering, but Soaring Falcon Miecoz Candelasa responded in third singles, dispatching Yassan Al-Anazi, 6-4, 6-3, to keep the tie close. EJ Geluz then kept DLSU within striking distance, overpowering Angelo Rosales, 6-2, 6-1, in first singles. Daniel Estanislao and Kevin Garrido added another point for the Green Tennisters, prevailing over Lander Butcon and Albretch Job, 6-1, 5-7, 10-7, in first doubles.
UST evened its record at 1-1, tying NU for third, while idle UP sits second at 2-0. Both DLSU and Adamson now hold a 1-2 record.
