SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN — University of the Philippines bounced back to claim a share of the lead after the first round of eliminations, edging University of the East 3–2 in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Tennis tournament on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin Tennis Court here.
After falling to University of Santo Tomas Male Tennisters just last Wednesday, the Fighting Maroons saw Raymund Goco and rookie Carl Tan secure the clincher in the first doubles match, defeating RJ Baje and Kent Morales, 6–4, 7–6(0), to seal the victory.
UP finished the first round with a 5–1 win-loss record, matching National University. However, the Fighting Maroons claimed the top spot with a 4–1 win over the Bulldogs on February 15.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are riding the momentum of a five-tie winning streak since that defeat, including a 5–0 sweep of Adamson University on Saturday.
UST rounded out the top four, tying UE at 4–2 after a 5–0 sweep of Ateneo de Manila University in the day’s other match.
“I think it was a very good performance. Of course, sino namang hindi matutuwa na number 1 kami after the end of the first round with a 5–1 record,” said head coach Jacob Lagman, reflecting on the squad’s best start in recent years.
“I’m proud of the boys, but still a lot of things to polish and work on moving forward. It’s gonna be a tough second round; of course, may mga babawi, and we’ll also make our own adjustments.”
Miguel Iglupas opened the day for UP with a dominant 6–4, 6–2 win over Allyson Cabanilla, followed by Lance Fernandez, who extended the lead to 2–0 after defeating Marc Suson, 6–3, 6–0.
The Red Warriors fought back as JB Aguilar bested Loucas Fernandez, 6–3, 6–4, in a rematch of the Gentry National Open men’s singles collegiate finals. But Goco and Tan ultimately secured the Fighting Maroons’ victory.
With the tie already decided, Kian Sanchez and Mark Dave Palanas closed the day in UE’s favor with a thrilling 6–3, 1–6, 11–9 marathon over Andrei Jarata and Stephen Catipon.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
National University made quick work of the Soaring Falcons to stay among the top two teams.
Reigning MVP Andre Padao sealed their fifth straight win with a 6–4, 6–2 triumph over Miecos Candelasa.
Alexis Acabo set the tone with a 6–0, 6–2 sweep of Vinz AJ Bering, followed by Isaac Lim, who defeated John Kenneth Jumamoy 6–1, 6–1 just six minutes later.
Jules Lazaro and Miguel Vicencio overpowered Nikko Lumahang and Joseph Butcon, 6–2, 6–0, before Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla delivered the final blow with a 6–2, 6–3 win over Angelo Rosales and Albretch Job.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Male Tennisters closed the eliminations on back-to-back wins, led by fourth-year EJ Tangub, who delivered the clincher once again.
Tangub, a two-time UAAP champion, overwhelmed Ateneo’s No. 1 JD Velez, 6–1, 6–1, to set the tone for the sweep.
Evan Bacalso and Seb Santos also finished their matches quickly, giving UST a 2–0 lead. Bacalso routed Vito Singson 6–0, 6–1, while Santos dominated Gabby Calilung by the same score.
Richard Bautista and Steven Sonsona made it 4–0 over the Blue Eagles with a 6–0, 6–2 win against Gab Quintana and Lucas Yupangco.
Finally, Mcleen Gomera and Brent Cortez overcame JB Cuarto and JC Pabillore, 6–1, 6–3, to complete UST’s sweep of the eliminations.
