By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
University of the Philippines began its UAAP Season 87 Men’s Tennis campaign with a statement victory, narrowly defeating National University, 3-2, at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila on Saturday.
The win marks the Fighting Maroons’ first triumph over the Bulldogs since their return to UAAP tennis in Season 74 (2011-2012).
Previously, the closest UP came to toppling NU was in the championship rounds of Seasons 76 and 78, where the Bulldogs still emerged victorious.
The decisive second doubles match saw rookies Raymund Goco and Lance Fernandez deliver under pressure, outlasting NU’s Giulian Bandoquillo and Aljon Talatayod in a nail-biting 7(9)-6(7), 7-5 battle to complete UP’s come-from-behind win in this tournament supported by Wilson.
“I told the team before this match — I have five rookies, I have five returnees. It’s a solid team, but they’re all rookies, so don’t put too much pressure on yourselves. Just play your best. Kung ano ‘yung nalaro niyo sa training, ilabas niyo lang,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Jacob Lagman.
NU took the early lead behind rookie Andre Padao, who secured a commanding 6-2, 7-5 victory over UP’s Loucas Fernandez in the second singles match.
However, the Fighting Maroons responded swiftly as Miguel Iglupas edged Jules Lazaro in a tightly contested first singles match, 6-3, 7(7)-6(3), leveling the tie at 1-1.
The Bulldogs reclaimed the advantage when Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla dominated Karl Miguel and Ava Mandac, 6-2, 6-3, in the first doubles match to go up 2-1.
But UP refused to back down, as Heinz Carbonilla mounted a comeback in the third singles match, grinding out a 6(4)-7(7), 6-3, 6-1 win over EJ Tugade to force a 2-2 deadlock — setting the stage for the dramatic doubles clincher.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s division, Season 86 silver medalist University of Santo Tomas opened its campaign with a 4-1 win over De La Salle University, highlighted by reigning Rookie of the Year Kaye Emana’s gutsy singles victory.
Emana rallied from a set down to prevail 3-6, 6-3, 7(7)-6(1) and secure the win for the Golden Tennisters.
“Nilalagay ko sa utak nila is one game at a time, one university at a time,” said UST head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz.
“‘Yung mindset ng every player is siyempre hungry na rin to claim championships. Mas determined sila this season compared to last year. Nakikita ko sa pre-season tournament, ‘yung sa PCA [Open Tennis Championship] — nag-champion kami doon. The way they practice, ‘yung unity ng team is nandun.”
UST’s rookie Mica Emana set the tone early with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win over Bea Gomez in the opening singles match. La Salle’s Jam Madis responded by defeating UST’s Patricia Lim, 6-3, 6-4, in the third singles match to tie the score at 1-1.
However, UST pulled away as Debbie Gom-os and Judy Ann Padilla dominated the first doubles match, securing a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Arriane Nillasca and Amor Idjao.
With the pressure on, Kay Emana delivered in the second singles match, overcoming La Salle’s Mikee Vicencio. After dropping the first set 3-6, she stormed back to win 6-3 before sealing the deal in a tense third-set tiebreak, 7(7)-6(1).
Capping off the victory, UST’s April Bentillo and Justine Maneja put on a masterclass in the second doubles match, sweeping La Salle’s Althea Liwag and Precious Miranda, 6-0, 6-0.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Last season’s runner-up Ateneo also opened their campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Adamson, anchored by a clutch performance from JJ Llavore in the deciding singles match. Llavore battled through a grueling contest against Miecoz Candelasa, ultimately securing a 7(7)-6(2), 5-7, 6-4 triumph to clinch the tie.
Ateneo got off to a strong start, with JD Velez dominating Kyle Roble 6-3, 6-0 in the first singles match.
However, Adamson quickly responded as Nikko Lumahang and Tristan Correos overwhelmed JB Cuarto and Rafa Mendoza, 6-2, 6-1, in the first doubles match, leveling the tie at 1-1.
Stef Gurria then put Ateneo back in the lead, overcoming Adamson’s Ramon Bentillo, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, in the second singles match.
Despite Ateneo securing the win with Llavore’s heroics, Adamson managed to grab one more point as Emmanuel Pedrosa and Angelo Rosales outlasted Aidyll Ignacio and Gian Gamingue, 6-2, 2-6, 10-8, in the final doubles match.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s division, last season’s bronze medalist UP also made a statement with a dominant 4-1 win over Ateneo.
UP’s Jufe Cocoy set the tone with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Chelsea Roque in the second singles match. Glydel Guevarra followed suit, securing a 6-1, 6-4 win against Angela Buyante in the third singles match.
Anica Cari and Sydney Enriquez then sealed the overall victory, overpowering Ateneo’s Zaina Omar and Audrey Ruiz in the first doubles match to give UP an early-season boost.
Ateneo’s lone point came from Althea Martirez, who battled past UP’s Joshea Malazarte in a marathon first singles match, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In another men’s division matchup, University of the East secured a 4-1 victory over De La Salle University.
UE’s JB Aguilar set the pace with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 win over Jonathan Bernardo in the second singles match.
La Salle’s EJ Geluz responded in the first singles match, grinding out a 6-4, 1-6, 5-0 (ret.) victory over Gerald Gemida to momentarily even the tie.
However, UE took control as Jarell Edangga overpowered Yassan Al-Anazi, 6-3, 6-1, in the third singles match, securing the team’s overall win.
The Red Warriors then sealed the deal in the doubles matches.
Kiz Cinco and Romeo Largo edged out La Salle’s Marcus Guinoo and Darwin Cosca, 6-2, 4-6, 10-4, while Marc Suson and Rastley Baje delivered a hard-fought 6-3, 7(8)-6(6) win over Leyton Portin and Keno Enriquez.
