University of Santo Tomas is more than ready to defend all four titles at stake as the UAAP Season 88 Table Tennis Tournaments kick off today (Saturday) at the Amoranto Sports Arena in Quezon City.
All four UST squads went undefeated in last season’s campaign, compiling an impressive 52-0 record across all divisions and achieving a rare sweep of the event.
The Tiger Paddlers lead the defending champions as they begin their bid for a sixth straight title in the men’s division and a league-best 32nd crown, with long-time head coach Jackson Que still at the helm.
Despite the graduation of former MVPs Alvin Sevilla and John Michael Castro, UST remains the top favorite. The team is anchored by reigning MVP and senior Eljey Tormis, alongside last year’s Rookie of the Year, Joshua Manlapaz.
Ateneo enters as the team to beat, with Mahendra Cabrido and the rest of the Blue Eagles aiming to end their streak of bridesmaid finishes and claim their breakthrough UAAP title.
The Tiger Paddlers open their campaign in this event, backed by Huaching Foundation and Topcoms Marketing Inc., with a packed three-match schedule, starting with a clash against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons at 10:30 AM.
Battles against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the University of the East Red Warriors follow later in the afternoon.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s division, the Lady Paddlers of UST will showcase a refreshed lineup under long-time mentor Lorinda Wadjad.
Several members of last year’s girls’ championship squad have moved up to the senior level, including Trexiemay Alarcon and Samantha Bandojo, who will join reigning MVP Althea Gudes in the quest for back-to-back titles and UST’s 15th UAAP crown.
Far Eastern University remains UST’s fiercest challenger, with former Junior Lady Paddler Christine Golez and Adamson product Glieza Ampalid now in the Green and Gold.
The Lady Paddlers will open their title defense against Ateneo de Manila University at 10:30 AM, with matches against UE and Adamson scheduled for the afternoon.
All UAAP member universities have the potential to pull off surprises, especially in the tournament’s compressed schedule: four days of double-round eliminations followed by a two-day postseason.
The first round of eliminations takes place on Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, while the second round is set for Tuesday, November 18, and Wednesday, November 19.
The postseason — including either a traditional Final Four or stepladder semifinals, culminating in the Finals — is scheduled for November 20 and 21.
UST will also aim for a third consecutive golden double in the high school division, with last year’s MVPs Jebb Datahan and J-An Sanchez returning for the boys’ and girls’ sides, respectively.
Collegiate head coaches Que and Wadjad also oversee the corresponding high school teams, with Que in charge of the boys and Wadjad leading the girls.
