University of Santo Tomas secured at least a Final Four spot with a twice-to-beat advantage in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions of the UAAP Season 88 High School Table Tennis tournament on Tuesday at the Amoranto Sports Arena in Diliman, Quezon City.
The Junior Tiger Paddlers and the Junior Lady Paddlers are now just two wins away from an outright Final berth with an elimination-round sweep. For reigning boys’ MVP Jebb Datahan, this is the ultimate goal in the tournament, backed by Huaching Foundation and Topcoms Marketing Inc.
“As of now, ang goal po talaga namin is ma-sweep (’yung elims) para po sure na kami for the Finals. Bale gagawin pa rin namin ’yung best namin in the next two games,” said the 18-year-old standout.
UST remained undefeated on the boys’ side, not only in matches (8-0) but also in sets (24-0), with victories over University of the Philippines Integrated School, Ateneo High School, and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School on the day.
“After this day, mag-rest lang po kami and be ready for the games tomorrow. And tomorrow, we’ll give our best; nandya’n naman si coach (Jack Que) at ’yung mga seniors namin na nag-ga-guide sa ’min,” Datahan added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On the girls’ side, rookie Louise Manay continues to shine for the Junior Lady Paddlers, winning both her matches, albeit with different doubles partners, keeping her team spotless.
Lawrence Cuaycong also delivered two wins in his assignments. He teamed with Joaquin Bragancia to defeat UPIS’s Aaron Dela Cruz and Zuryel Vargas, 11-5, 11-4, 11-3, before pairing with Anton Andre Bayona to overcome DLSZ’s Timothy Anceno and Troy Rodriguez, 11-6, 11-4, 11-4.
Adamson swept University of the East, 3-0, in their encounter to temporarily seize second place in the Final Four with a 6-1 record, ahead of UE’s 5-3. Baby Falcons Seph Estrada and Rodel Millana secured the decisive doubles win over Junior Red Warriors Zeus Manlapaz and Journey Duldulao Jr., 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3.
DLSZ survived UPIS’s challenge, 3-2, to claim the last semifinals berth on the boys’ side, with Junyu Long taking the deciding match against Daniel Thiago Luna, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-7.
Manay led the UST girls’ team to an 8-0 record with wins over UPIS’s Himaya Coquilla and Margret Espinosa, 11-8, 11-4, 11-2, with Padmae Vivas, and Adamson’s Corcuera and Robles, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 16-14, with Julianne Bandojo.
UE edged DLSZ, 3-1, in their direct encounter to take second place at 6-1, while DLSZ remained behind at 5-3.
Adamson stayed fourth in the girls’ division with a 3-5 record, while UPIS still has a mathematical chance at 1-7.
