By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — Determined to build on last season’s runner-up finish, University of Santo Tomas opened its redemption campaign with a commanding performance, storming past De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Tournament, Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
Christopher Sonsona secured the clincher for the Growling Tigers, defeating Green Tennister JT Bernardo, 6-2, 6-2, in the third singles match, as UST posted a clean 5-0 shutout.
After surrendering the crown to National University last season and missing out on a third straight title, UST is aiming for redemption and a record-extending 17th UAAP men’s tennis championship. The challenge, however, will be tougher following the graduation of three-time MVP Nilo Ledama.
“The rookies are helping now. They played in the first doubles. And kilala na rin kasi namin lahat, pati ‘yung rookies, so ngayon palang, nilaro na namin sila para makita namin kung paano sila maglaro sa UAAP kasi iba ‘yung UAAP sa tournaments outside,” said UST head coach Alexander Diego.
Sebastian Santos gave UST an early advantage, blanking Yassan Al-Anazi, 6-0, 6-1, in the opening singles match. Ericjay Tangub followed with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over EJ Geluz in the second singles encounter.
In doubles play, Evan Bacalso and Al-Zayeed Baid outclassed Daniel Estanislao and Kevin Garrido, 6-1, 6-1, in the first pairing, before Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines wrapped up the shutout with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Marcus Guinoo and Fernando Po in the second doubles match.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, Season 87 bronze medalist University of the Philippines continued their strong showing from last season with a convincing 4-1 triumph over Adamson University.
Andrei Jarata and Heinz Carbonilla clinched the tie with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Kurt Correos and Nikko Lumahang in the first doubles match.
Carl Tan gave the Fighting Maroons an early edge with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Herald Aton in the opening singles match. Loucas Fernandez followed suit, overpowering Albretch Job, 6-1, 6-1, to give UP a 2-0 cushion.
The Fighting Maroons further strengthened their lead in the second doubles, as Lance Fernandez and Raymund Goco turned back Lander Butcon and Angelo Rosales, 6-4, 7-5.
Adamson prevented the shutout in the final match, with Miecoz Candelasa outlasting Miguel Iglupas in a hard-fought three-set battle, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
University of the East wrapped up men’s action for the day with a commanding 4-1 victory over Ateneo de Manila University. Kian Sanchez and Dave Palanas sealed the win in the first doubles match, overwhelming Gab Quintana and Gabby Calilung, 6-0, 6-0.
JB Aguilar set the tone early, blanking JB Cuarto, 6-0, 6-0, in the opening singles match. Bam Cabanilla followed with a 6-2, 6-0 win over JC Pabillore in the second singles encounter to give UE firm control of the tie.
The Blue Eagles managed to get on the board in the third singles, where JD Velez defeated Marc Suson, 6-1, 6-2. RJ Baje and Kent Morales then overcame Vito Singson and Lukas Yupangco in the second doubles, 6-1, 6-0, to close out the tie.
