By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
Defending champion University of Santo Tomas and Season 85 runners-up Ateneo de Manila University punched their tickets back to the finals after defeating National University and University of the East, respectively, in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Tennis Tournament on Saturday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center, Manila.
The top-seeded UST Male Tennisters continued their quest for back-to-back titles after eliminating the fourth-seeded Bulldogs, 3-2.
“Last year, Ateneo rin kami so baka ‘di na kami mag-relax kasi sabi ko sa mga player ko bukas pahinga, tapos training na ulit kasi April 3 ‘yung finals natin. Maganda naman ‘yung laro ng mga players ko ngayon,” said UST coach Johnny Arcilla.
“Ngayon ‘yung finals, ‘di lang kami talaga mag-kumpiyansa so talagang tutuparin sa training kasi sila [Ateneo], parang uhaw na uhaw ‘yun eh, gustong bumawi kasi last year talo sila.”
It was Ericjay Tangub who put the finishing touches on UST’s journey to the finals, clinching a definitive 6-4, 6-1 win over NU’s Miguel Vicencio in the third singles bout.
Reigning Rookie-MVP Nilo Ledama got off to a flying start by establishing control over NU’s Jules Lazaro, securing the initial advantage for UST with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph.
Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines then conquered Bulldogs Ibarra Ortega and Angil Balaoing in the first doubles match, 6-4, 7-5, to secure a 2-0 lead for the Male Tennisters.
Despite UST’s comeback efforts, NU’s Vince Tugade completed an impressive turnaround against Sebastian Santos, rallying from behind to claim a 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory in the first singles match.
However, Bulldogs Allen Manlangit and Gab Bandoquillo proved too strong for Male Tennisters Steven and Christopher Sonsona, taking the second doubles match, 6-4, 6-2, to draw even at two matches each.
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles’ title redemption bid stayed alive after defeating third-seeded UE, 3-1.
“I’m happy that the team played well today… it’s just a matter of surviving na lang kasi the last match was very crucial, it was 6-4 third set and it’s all about stamina and guts so luckily we won,” said Ateneo coach Gee Abacan.
“We’ll try again, of course UST is the number one team here. They’re the defending champions so no other formula but to practice and prepare really well before the match because I know UST is a very tough team.”
JD Velez propelled the Blue Eagles to victory in the crucial second singles match, outmatching Red Warrior Marc Nicole Suson, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4, to secure their spot in the finals.
Noy Seno quickly stamped his authority over UE’s Jarrell Edangga, guiding Ateneo to an opening win in the first singles match, 6-2, 6-2.
Despite being down 0-1, Red Warriors RJ Baje and RJ Singson powered through to take the first doubles match over Blue Eagles JJ Llavore and Stef Gurria, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2, tying the game at one match apiece.
Nio Tria and Axl Gonzaga then triumphed over UE’s Dawson Ormoc and Prince Lastimosa, 6-3, 7-5, in a fiercely contested second doubles encounter to extend Ateneo’s lead to a two-match advantage.
The Finals opener between UST and Ateneo is slated for Saturday, April 3, 7:30 AM at the same venue.
On the other hand, UST earned the second finals ticket in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Tennis Tournament, dashing University of the Philippines’ hopes of a finals comeback following a 4-1 victory during their playoff clash.
Debbie Gom-os and Miles Vitaliano left no room for doubt as they secured UST’s place in the finals with a commanding win in the first doubles match against UP’s Joshea Malazarte and Jesha Cervantes, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4.
In a strong showing, UST’s Alexei Santos dominated the second singles match, overcoming UP’s Renee Esteban with a 6-0, 6-3 victory, thrusting the Female Tennisters into the lead.
Female Tennister Kaye Emana then seized control of the first singles match, toppling Jufe Cocoy, 6-0, 6-3 to push the lead further to 2-0.
Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja took charge for UST this time, clinching the second doubles match convincingly against UP duo Anica Cari and Jonamil Prado, 6-2, 6-0.
However, Fighting Maroon Rachel Velez showcased her tenacity, prevailing over Patricia Lim in an intense third singles match to prevent a sweep, 6-2, 7-5.
UST is set to go head-to-head against the reigning champions NU Lady Bulldogs on April 3 at 7:30 AM, to be held at the same venue.
