By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
Defending champion National University and University of Santo Tomas each handed erstwhile league leaders their first losses of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Tennis Tournament, claiming 4-1 victories over University of the East and University of the Philippines, respectively, on Wednesday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court.
With the wins, the Bulldogs joined the Fighting Maroons and the Red Warriors atop the standings with 4-1 records, while the Male Tennisters claimed solo fourth with a 3-2 slate.
For NU, Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla held their nerve in first doubles, downing Red Warrior Kent Morales and RJ Baje, 6-4, 6-4, to secure the Bulldogs’ victory over UE.
Andrei Padao gave NU a strong start, taking first singles 6-1, 6-3 against Gerald Gemida.
UE responded through JB Aguilar, who outdueled Isaac Lim, 6-2, 6-3, in second singles to keep the Red Warriors within reach.
However, NU regained control in third singles as Alexis Acabo delivered a 6-2, 6-3 win over Allyson Cabanilla, restoring the Bulldogs’ cushion.
In second doubles, Jules Lazaro and Miguel Vicencio maintained NU’s momentum, convincingly handling Marc Suson and Kiz Bryan Cinco, 6-3, 6-2.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, UST halted UP’s perfect start with a 4-1 win, swinging the tie their way through a thrilling first doubles victory by Evan Bacalso and Al Zayeed Baid, 7-6(4), 5-7, 10-8, over Raymund Goco and Miguel Iglupas.
Loucas Fernandez opened the tie for UP with a steady 6-4, 6-2 win over Christopher Sonsona in first singles, giving the Fighting Maroons an early advantage.
UST refused to let the tie slip away as Ericjay Tangub rebounded from a slow start to outlast Lance Fernandez in third singles, 2-6, 6-0, 6-4, leveling the tie and putting the pressure back on UP.
Sebastian Santos then strengthened UST’s grip with a 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Heinz Carbonilla in second singles, bringing the Male Tennisters within reach of the win. In second doubles, Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines closed out the tie with a controlled 6-4, 6-4 win over Andrei Jarata and Carl Tan.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, De La Salle University bounced back from two straight losses, defeating Ateneo De Manila University, 4-1. The Green Tennisters improved to 2-4 in fifth place, leaving the Blue Eagles still searching for their first win in five outings.
Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo dominated second doubles, cruising past Gabby Calilung and Gab Quintana, 6-0, 6-1, to shut the door on any comeback bid.
JT Bernardo gave DLSU the opening point with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Lukas Yupangco in third singles, followed by EJ Geluz, who stretched the lead with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 victory over JC Pabillore in second singles.
JD Velez responded for Ateneo with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Yassan Al-Anazi in first singles.
DLSU wrapped up the tie with Daniel Estanislao and Rupert Tortal, cruising past JB Cuarto and Vito Singson, 6-1, 6-0, in first doubles.
