SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas secured their spots in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Final Four after winning their respective ties on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
UP swept De La Salle University, 5-0, for its third consecutive victory, improving to 7-1 overall.
UST, meanwhile, edged out Season 87 finals rival National University, 3-2, for its fifth straight win and a 7-2 record, moving up to second place in the tournament, also supported by Wilson.
In the other tie, Adamson University snapped a six-match losing streak with a 4-1 victory over Ateneo de Manila University, keeping its slim Final Four hopes alive.
DLSU fell to 3-6, remaining in fifth, while NU dropped to 6-2, staying in third. The Soaring Falcons moved to 2-7, holding sixth place.
Lance Fernandez delivered a dominant performance, defeating JT Bernardo, 6-3, 6-3, to clinch the tie for the Fighting Maroons.
UP built its lead through commanding singles victories, starting with Miguel Iglupas, who blanked EJ Geluz, 6-0, 6-0, in second singles to put the Fighting Maroons on the board. Loucas Fernandez followed with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Yassan Al Anazi in third singles to double the advantage.
“I’m just really happy na everything we’ve worked for is showing us the product of our hard work. So we’re here, and we’re gonna prepare for the Final Four for sure, and we hope that we get more support here in CSA Bulacan,” said UP team captain Loucas Fernandez.
“Every match here in the UAAP, based on this format, even the non-bearing ones, it’s important for us kasi [it helps us] learn from our tiny adjustments and mistakes that I think we can use for the later stages. So even the non-bearing matches we take that seriously because that could be the difference when we play bigger teams in the future.”
Even with the overall victory secured, Andrei Jarata and Carl Tan dominated Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo, 6-0, 6-4, in first doubles. Raymund Goco and Heinz Carbonilla then closed out the tie with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Daniel Estanislao and Kevin Garrido in second doubles, completing the Fighting Maroons’ sweep.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Meanwhile, Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines produced a hard-fought 6-4, 6-2 win over Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla in the decisive second doubles match, securing the 3-2 triumph for the Male Tennisters.
Alexis Acabo got NU off to a fast start, cruising past Sebastian Santos, 6-1, 6-3, in third singles. UST struck back in first doubles, with Steven Sonsona and Al Zayeed Baid defeating Jules Lazaro and Miguel Vicencio, 6-3, 6-2.
Ericjay Tangub later delivered a breakthrough, handing Andrei Padao his first loss in the UAAP with a 6-4, 6-4 victory in first singles to put UST ahead, 2-1.
“I feel blessed lang kasi siyempre dati natalo niya ako tapos ngayon parang na-o-overwhelm lang talaga ako and I’m so blessed na natalo ko siya kasi siyempre isa rin ‘yun sa mga nakakapagpataas sa morale ko,” said UST’s Tangub.
“Na-overwhelm po ako kasi siyempre ito naman ‘yung goal namin as a team ‘yung makapasok kami sa Final Four and best goal namin is maka-one and two [spots] sa standings.”
Isaac Lim kept the Bulldogs alive, rallying past Evan Bacalso, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, in second singles to force a decider.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Albretch Job then swung the tie in Adamson’s favor with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over JC Pabillore in third singles.
Ateneo started strong as JD Velez rolled past JT Bernardo, 6-4, 6-0, in first singles. Miecoz Candelasa quickly restored balance for Adamson with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over JB Cuarto.
Herald Aton and Vinz Bering advanced by walkover in second doubles, before Lander Butcon and Nikko Lumahang outlasted Gabby Calilung and Lukas Yupangco in first doubles, 6-0, 6-3, to complete Adamson’s 4-1 win.
Also-ran Blue Eagles remain winless in nine ties.
