By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and National University secured twice-to-beat advantages in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Tennis Tournament with victories over University of the East and University of the Philippines, respectively, Saturday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila.
The pivotal first doubles match saw Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines fend off a determined Kiz Bryan Cinco and Mark Dave Palanas, 6-2, 6-2, securing a 3-2 victory and bolstering the Male Tennisters’ bid for a third consecutive title in the tournament, also supported by Wilson Philippines.
“Sa Final Four, I think UP at UE ‘yung magtatapat bukas. Kung sino ‘yung kalaban, sila ‘yung makakalaban namin so prepared kami,” said UST team captain Nilo Ledama.
“For me and for my team, isa-isa naming fino-focus ‘yung kalaban namin kasi… for example, [sa] UE, hindi naman lahat [ng player] makakalaban ko so each of us maghahanda sa kalaban namin. Like sa singles, ako pinaghahandaan ko ‘yung tatlong singles nila kasi ‘di ko alam kung sino ‘yung makakalaban ko.”
Reigning MVP Ledama set the tone early with a composed 6-3, 6-1 victory over Red Warrior JB Aguilar in the second singles match. Ericjay Tangub maintained the pressure, battling through the second singles to claim a 6-3, 6-4 win over UE’s Gerald Gemida.
Marc Suson kept UE’s hopes alive with a gritty 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 triumph over Sebastian Santos in first singles. However, Kent Morales and RJ Baje overpowered Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan in second doubles, 7-5, 7(7)-6(4), sealing the tie on a strong note.
UST remained at the top with a 10-1 record, while UE dropped to fourth at 7-4.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, following UST’s victory, NU secured the second twice-to-beat advantage by avenging its first-round loss to UP with a 4-1 win.
Jules Lazaro weathered a tough challenge from Aslan Carbonilla in the third singles, ultimately prevailing 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 to clinch the tie for the Bulldogs.
NU asserted dominance early as Andrei Padao cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Ava Mandac in first singles. EJ Tugade further extended the lead with a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 7(7)-6(2) triumph over Miguel Iglupas in second singles.
UP’s Lance Fernandez and Raymund Goco fought back in first doubles, overcoming a first-set loss to grind out a 5-7, 6-4, 11-9 tiebreaker victory against Aljon Talatayod and Gab Bandoquillo.
However, NU’s Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla closed out the tie in second doubles, delivering a 7(7)-6(1), 6-3 win over Loucas Fernandez and Andrei Jarata.
With the win, the Bulldogs solidified their hold on the second seed at 9-2, while the Fighting Maroons, now 7-4, remained tied for third with the Red Warriors.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s division, defending champion NU capped the elimination round with a commanding 4-1 victory over UP, setting the stage for the finals.
Adi Abadia and Rovie Baulete’s steady play in first doubles secured a 6-4, 6-2 win over Jesha Cervantes and JM Prado, sealing NU’s overall triumph.
UP’s Jufe Cocoy struck first in first singles, dominating Jasmine Jaran 6-1, 6-3.
However, the Lady Bulldogs responded swiftly, with Danna Abad taking a crucial 6-4, 6-2 win over Glydel Guevarra in third singles. JM Carcueva followed up with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory against Joshea Malazarte in second singles, extending NU’s advantage.
Elsie Abarquez and Kolin Cornell then secured the tie for NU with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Sydney Enriquez and Anica Cari in second doubles.
The Lady Bulldogs concluded the eliminations at 7-1, tying UST in the standings, while UP wrapped up in third place at 4-4.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Earlier in the men’s division, De La Salle University ended its season on a high note, securing its first win with a hard-fought 3-2 conquest of Ateneo de Manila University.
Yassan Al-Anazi delivered a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Stef Gurria in second singles to clinch the tie.
JT Bernardo made an immediate impact in third singles, overpowering Ateneo’s JB Cuarto, 6-1, 6-0. However, Blue Eagle JD Velez responded in first singles, rallying past EJ Geluz with a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory to level the match.
JJ Llavore and Gian Camingue dominated first doubles, dispatching La Salle’s Fernando Po and Marcus Guinoo, 6-1, 6-2.
But La Salle had the final say, as Leyton Portin and Rupert Tortal delivered an emphatic 6-1, 6-1 win in second doubles, sealing the Green Tennisters’ first and only win of the season.
DLSU finished seventh with a 1-11 record, while Ateneo placed fifth at 3-8.
