By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — University of the Philippines remained unbeaten in three ties, defeating winless Ateneo de Manila University 4-1 in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Tournament Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
The UP duo of Raymund Goco and Lance Fernandez delivered in the crucial second doubles match, overpowering Vito Singson and Gabby Calilung, 6-1, 6-1, to secure the overall victory.
“‘Yung constant reminder ko lang sa kanila is short-term memory lang. Grind it out today, then the next day, forget about what happened in the previous matches. So every day’s a new day,” said UP head coach Jacob Lagman.
“I’m more concerned about their recovery, so as long as they’re fresh and healthy, I think our players can perform to their maximum potential, so I’m emphasizing more on that… not much pressure on them para malaro nila ‘yung best nila.”
Andrei Jarata opened the tie on a strong note in first singles, defeating Gab Quintana 6-0, 6-1, giving UP the early lead. Loucas Fernandez extended the advantage in the second singles, posting a 6-1, 6-0 win over Lukas Yupangco.
UP carried that momentum into doubles, where Carl Tan and Stephen Catipon outclassed JB Cuarto and JC Pabillore 6-2, 6-1 in the first pairing.
Ateneo avoided a clean sweep thanks to JD Velez, who battled to a 6-1, 7-5 win over Miguel Iglupas in the third singles match.
UP improved to 3-0, drawing level with idle University of the East at the top of the standings.
Defending champion National University notched back-to-back wins, cruising past De La Salle University 4-1, while University of Santo Tomas returned to winning ways with a 5-0 triumph over Adamson University, both improving to 2-1. DLSU and Adamson fell to 1-3, sharing fifth place.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Isaac Lim completed the Bulldogs’ triumph with a reverse sweep, dropping the first set 4-6 before dominating Yassan Al Anazi 6-2, 6-1 in third singles. Alexis Acabo got NU off to a strong start, taking down Rupert Tortal 6-0, 6-1. Andrei Padao followed with a 6-4, 6-2 win over JT Bernardo, giving NU a 2-0 cushion before doubles.
Even with the tie already out of reach, DLSU’s Daniel Estanislao and EJ Geluz earned a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Jules Lazaro and Kristopher Espinosa in first doubles. NU’s Christian Padilla and Angil Balaoing closed out the day with a tense 6-3, 3-6, 11-9 win in second doubles against Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UST secured its victory with Sebastian Santos’ 6-3, 6-1 win over Angelo Rosales in second singles. UST started strong as Evan Bacalso handled Albretch Job 6-2, 6-1 in third singles, before Ericjay Tangub added a second point by overpowering Miecoz Candelasa in first singles, 6-0, 6-3, for a 2-0 lead.
Al Zayeed Baid and Brent Cortes extended the advantage in first doubles, earning a 6-4, ret. victory over Nikko Lumahang and Tristan Correos. With the tie already decided, Richard Bautista and Mcleen Gomera completed the sweep with a hard-fought 6-1, 7-6(5) triumph over Lander Butcon and John Kenneth Jumamoy.
