By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE MONTE, Bulacan — University of the Philippines toppled debuting defending champion National University, 4-1, in a composed showing to grab a share of the early lead in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
Also joining the Fighting Maroons at the top are the University of the East Red Warriors, who defeated the De La Salle University Green Tennisters, 4-1.
The Adamson University Soaring Falcons likewise notched their first win after stunning Ateneo de Manila University, 4-1.
Andrei Jarata and Carl Tan put the finishing touches for UP in first doubles, dismantling NU’s Kristofer Espinosa and Jules Lazaro, 6-1, 6-2, to put the tie beyond reach.
“Obviously NU, they’re the defending champion, so we definitely needed to lock in a little more today,” said UP team captain Loucas Fernandez. “I think that experience against NU in the Final Four last season, losing to them after being so close to making the finals for the first time in however many years… that was definitely very painful for us. It was everything, actually. We used it as motivation in every training session.”
“I think the biggest difference from this season’s team to last season’s team is definitely our composure and our experience. Actually, half of the team were rookies, so last season was sort of like a stepping stone to this season… we’re coming into this season with more experience and composure,” he added.
Lance Fernandez set the tone in third singles, cruising past Isaac Lim, 6-4, 6-1, to hand UP the early advantage.
The Fighting Maroons tightened their grip in second singles, with Loucas Fernandez dominating Alexis Acabo, 6-1, 6-1.
NU leaned on reigning Rookie MVP Andrei Padao for its lone point. He battled back for a 4-6, 6-2, 4-0 (ret.) victory in the opening singles match.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For UE, the clincher came from Marc Suson, who handled JT Bernardo, 6-3, 6-4, in second singles to seal the victory.
JB Aguilar set the pace in third singles, outmaneuvering EJ Geluz, 6-1, 6-4. Ban Cabanilla then doubled the cushion in second singles, turning back Yassan Al Anazi, 6-1, 6-4, to put UE in a commanding position midway through the tie.
With momentum on UE’s side, RJ Baje and Kent Morales took charge in second doubles, overwhelming Daniel Estanislao and Kevin Garrido, 6-2, 6-4.
The Green Tennisters’ lone breakthrough came in first doubles, where Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo edged Kent Sanchez and Mark Dave Palanas, 6-7(4), 6-4, 10-6.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, Kurt Correos and Miecoz Candelasa delivered the clinching point for Adamson in first doubles, dismantling Ateneo’s Vito Singson and Gabby Calilong, 6-2, 6-0, to secure the breakthrough triumph.
The Soaring Falcons wasted little time asserting control. John Kenneth Jumamoy came out firing in first singles, dispatching Gab Quintana, 6-2, 6-1.
Ateneo’s JD Velez briefly evened the tie after taking down Angelo Rosales, 6-2, 6-3, in second singles.
Nikko Lumahang responded with a steady performance in third singles, turning back JC Pabillore, 6-1, 6-2, to restore Adamson’s lead.
Lander Butcon and Albretch Job capped the day with a composed 6-1, 6-3 victory over JB Cuarto and Lucas Yupangco in second doubles, putting a convincing finish to the Soaring Falcons’ triumph.
La Salle and Ateneo remain winless after two ties.
