By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
University of the Philippines secured a decisive 4-1 victory over University of the East, avenging their first-round loss and solidifying their third-seed position in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Tennis Tournament, Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.
Andrei Jarata and Karl Miguel clinched the overall win in an intense second doubles match, overcoming Kent Morales and RJ Baje with scores of 7-5, 6-4.
“What the team showed today were the adjustments we wanted to make, and they were successful. As team captain, I’m so happy with how they performed. I guess we just have to maintain that energy and will to win, and I think we’ll be fine,” said UP team captain Loucas Fernandez.
“Coming into the Final Four, we’re already behind. I think the mindset is just to win the first tie. If we think na we have two ties to win pa, mentally it’s gonna seem like a big mountain to climb. So honestly, just win the first tie and then don’t think about the twice-to-beat advantage. Just win the first tie, and after that, anything can happen na.”
The Red Warriors initially took the lead when JB Aguilar defeated Aslan Carbonilla 6-3, 6-2 in the third singles match. However, the Fighting Maroons quickly responded, with Miguel Iglupas dispatching Gerald Gemida 6-3, 6-2 in the first singles.
Fernandez then shifted the momentum in UP’s favor, dominating Romeo Largo with a swift 6-2, 6-1 victory, setting up the clincher from Jarata and Miguel.
In a tense three-set battle, Lance Fernandez and Raymund Goco secured UP’s fourth match victory, defeating Marc Suson and Kiz Bryan Cinco 6-3, 3-6, 5-1 (ret.) in the first doubles match, effectively sealing the tie.
The Diliman-based squad concluded the elimination round with an 8-4 record, securing third place and setting up a Final Four clash with the second-seeded National University Bulldogs, who hold a twice-to-beat advantage.
Conversely, the Red Warriors (7-5) secured the fourth seed and will face the top-ranked University of Santo Tomas Male Tennisters in the semifinals.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, National University continued its momentum into the Final Four, securing its second consecutive victory by routing Adamson University 4-1.
Andrei Padao’s strong performance set the tone for the Bulldogs’ triumph, winning 6-3, 6-2 against Miecoz Candelasa in the first singles match.
“Napaka-importante na makuha namin yung advantage ng twice-to-beat kasi mas lalong magkakaroon kami ng kumpiyansa lalo na sa paglalaro. At least alam namin na ‘yung laro… Mas easy way na magkakaroon kami ng chance na makakaabot kami ng finals,” said NU team captain EJ Tugade.
“Di pa rin po kami magre-relax. Still, ibibigay po namin yung best namin kasi ‘yung kalaban namin ay mabigat din po. Stay positive lang lalo na sa laro and trust lang po sa mga teammates namin.”
Jules Lazaro opened the match with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win over Adamson’s Lander Butcon in the third singles match. Tugade then secured the second singles match, defeating Lander Butcon 6-2, 6-0.
The Soaring Falcons managed to secure a point through Nikko Lumahang and Angelo Rosales, who won the first doubles match 6-4, 6-2 against Aljon Talatayod and Gab Bandoquillo.
The tie concluded with NU’s Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla clinching a hard-fought 7-5, 7(7)-6(4) victory over Herald Aton and Emmanuel Pedrosa in the second doubles match.
The Bulldogs finished the elimination round with a 10-2 record, securing second place, while the Soaring Falcons ended their season in sixth place with a 2-10 record.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, defending champion University of Santo Tomas replicated their dominance over Season 86 finals opponent Ateneo de Manila University, securing a 4-1 victory.
Ericjay Tangub’s 6-1, 6-0 victory over JB Cuarto in the second singles match sealed the win for the Male Tennisters.
UST quickly established control, with Season 86 MVP Nilo Ledama delivering a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over Gab Quintana in the third singles. Christopher Sonsona followed with a decisive 6-0, 6-1 win against Rafa Mendoza in the first singles, giving UST a 2-0 lead.
Despite UST’s early dominance, Ateneo’s JD Velez and Stef Gurria fought back, winning the first doubles match 6-3, 6-1 against Steven Sonsona and Brent Cortes.
The second doubles match proved to be a thriller, as UST’s Richard Bautista and Geo Serino edged out JJ Llavore and Gian Camingue 7-5, 4-6, 12-10 to close the tie.
The victory propelled UST to an 11-1 record, maintaining its first-place standing, while Ateneo ended its season in fifth place with a 3-9 record.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the lone women’s tie of the day, De La Salle University ended its season on a high note, securing a 4-1 victory over Ateneo for its second win.
The overall victory was sealed by Amor Idjao and Precious Miranda’s 6-2, 6-1 win over Adriana Cabahug and Audrey Ruiz in the first doubles match.
Jam Madis dominated Ateneo’s Reizel Coco with a 6-0, 6-0 victory in the second singles match. Maikee Vicencio continued the Lady Tennisters’ surge with a 6-1, 6-0 win against Althea Martirez in the third singles.
La Salle’s Arianne Nillasca and Althea Liwag added a swift 6-1, 6-1 victory in the second doubles, dispatching Zaina Omar and Angela Buyante. However, Ateneo’s Chelsea Roque salvaged a point, battling to a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Bea Gomez to prevent a sweep.
The Lady Tennisters finished their season with a 2-6 record, placing fourth, while the Blue Eagles ended their campaign winless in eight ties.
