By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — Defending champion National University and University of the East clinched the remaining UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Final Four spots after winning their respective ties on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
The Bulldogs bounced back from Saturday’s setback against University of Santo Tomas with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons, while the Red Warriors also recovered from a tough loss to University of the Philippines, overpowering the De La Salle University Green Tennisters, 4-1.
Meanwhile, UP moved one step closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, dominating Ateneo de Manila University 5-0 to remain in first place.
The Bulldogs’ win pushed them to 7-2, tied with the Male Tennisters in second place, while the Red Warriors improved to 6-3 to hold fourth.
Isaac Lim’s 6-0, 6-3 victory in first singles over John Kenneth Jumamoy secured the decisive point for NU, marking the Bulldogs’ fifth consecutive Final Four appearance.
“We’re gunning for at least nasa top two kami para we’ll get the incentive of twice-to-beat. And I think naman, kakayanin,” said NU head coach Bobby Esquivel.
“Looking forward and excited [for the next ties] kasi I know na nagising na naman ‘yung players namin after what happened yesterday against UST… looking forward na alam namin magba-bounce back hard ang mga players to get the win next Wednesday and Saturday.”
NU took control from the start as Alex Acabo breezed past Vinz Bering, 6-0, 6-1, in third singles. Andrei Padao quickly doubled the lead with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Adamson’s Neo Maratas in second singles.
Even with the tie already decided, Bulldogs Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla added to the margin with a 6-2, 6-2 second doubles triumph over Herald Aton and Albretch Job, while Jules Lazaro and Miguel Vicencio wrapped up NU’s sweep with a tense 6-2, 3-6, 10-7 first doubles victory over Nikko Lumahang and Miecoz Candelasa.
With the losses, Adamson fell to 2-8, and DLSU dropped to 3-7, eliminating both squads from Final Four contention.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Meanwhile, Marc Suson sealed the Red Warriors’ win, defeating JT Bernardo 6-4, 6-2 in third singles to earn UE’s fifth straight Final Four appearance.
“Ginawa talaga namin ‘yung best namin para manalo ‘yung team,” said UE’s Suson. “Kailangan lang talaga aggressive palagi sa court.”
Red Warrior JB Aguilar opened the tie with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over Rupert Tortal in first singles. Gerald Gemida kept UE in control, beating Yassan Al-Anazi 6-1, 6-1 in the second singles to make it 2-0.
“Sobrang importante ‘yung twice-to-beat advantage kasi ‘pag twice-to-beat ka, halos sure finals ka na ‘nun kasi para manalo ng dalawang beses sa isang team, kailangan mo talaga ng lakas,” said Aguilar.
With the tie already decided, Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo earned a point for the Green Tennisters by defeating RJ Baje and Kian Sanchez 6-4, 6-2 in second doubles.
In a thrilling first doubles match, Allyson Cabanilla and Kent Morales turned back EJ Geluz and Daniel Estanislao 7-6(5), 1-6, 10-5 to complete UE’s 4-1 triumph.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Already in the Final Four, UP continued their strong form as Loucas Fernandez opened the tie with a 6-0, 6-0 win over JB Cuarto in third singles. Andrei Jarata quickly doubled the Fighting Maroons’ advantage, cruising past JC Pabillore 6-1, 6-1 in first singles.
Ateneo avoided a sweep after JD Velez outlasted Miguel Iglupas 2-6, 7-6(3), ret. in second singles.
UP restored control in doubles, with Allen Rombawa and Rafael Liangco overpowering Gabby Calilung and Lukas Yupangco 6-1, 6-1 in first doubles to wrap up the tie. Fighting Maroons Carl Tan and Raymund Goco later received a walkover in second doubles.
The Blue Eagles remained winless after 10 ties.
