By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines secured crucial victories in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the UAAP Season 87 Tennis Tournament on Saturday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
Following their previous loss to National University, defending champions Male Tennisters bounced back in dominant fashion with a 5-0 sweep over De La Salle University Green Tennisters.
Sebastian Santos sealed UST’s victory by defeating JT Bernardo, 6-3, 6-1, in the third singles match.
“Nag-adjust kami sa lineup doon sa players kasi ‘yung iba pinag-rest namin kasi sa kondisyon ng fitness nila. ‘Yung iba like the last game against NU, may mga nag-cramps tsaka sa sobrang init na rin ng panahon, so mino-monitor namin ‘yung fluid intake nila, lahat,” said UST head coach Alexander Diego.
“Sa lineup, mag-aadjust na kami kasi may mga [natalo], doubles namin natalo we are expecting this second round and papuntang Final Four kung aabot man kami,” he added, taking into consideration their lone defeat last Wednesday against the Bulldogs.
Nilo Ledama dominated La Salle’s Ohye Tortal in the second singles match, 6-1, 6-2, putting UST firmly in control. Ericjay Tangub followed with another commanding performance, overwhelming Yassan Al Anazi, 6-1, 6-1, in the first singles match.
In the doubles matches, Steven Sonsona and Brent Cortes displayed composure to edge Marcus Guinoo and Darwin Cosca, 6-3, 7(7)-6(5), in the first doubles encounter. Richard Bautista and Geo Serino wrapped up the sweep with a hard-fought 6-4, 7(7)-6(4) victory over EJ Geluz and Enzo Enriquez in the second doubles match.
With the win, UST improved to 6-1, climbing to the top of the standings, while La Salle remained winless after seven ties in this tournament supported by Wilson Philippines.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, UP’s men’s team cruised to its third consecutive victory by dispatching Ateneo de Manila University, 4-1, with clutch performances from Karl Miguel and Andrei Jarata. Their dominant 6-0, 6-3 win over JB Cuarto and Aidyll Ignacio in the first doubles match secured the tie for UP.
Fighting Maroon Miguel Iglupas set the tone with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Gab Quintana in the opening singles match. Lance Fernandez added to UP’s lead, overcoming Ateneo’s Stef Gurria, 7-5, 6-3, in the third singles match.
JD Velez kept Ateneo’s hopes alive with a gritty 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 comeback win against Aslan Carbonilla. However, Loucas Fernandez and Raymund Goco sealed UP’s victory with a 6-2, 6-1 win over JJ Llavore and Gian Camingue in the second doubles match.
UP improved to 5-2, tying with University of the East for third place, while Ateneo dropped to 2-5, sitting in fifth.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s division, the UST Female Tennisters mirrored their male counterparts with a 5-0 sweep over the Blue Eagles. Judy Padilla and Christine Gulagula delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win over Reizel Coco and Audrey Ruiz in the pivotal first doubles match.
Kaye Emana blanked Blue Eagle Adrianna Cabahug, 6-0, 6-0, in the third singles match to ignite UST’s momentum. Princess Dela Rita followed with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win against Chelsea Roque in the first singles match.
With the tie secured, Mica Emana showed resilience in a tense second singles match, outlasting Ateneo’s Althea Martirez, 6-3, 7(7)-6(4). Kryshana Brazal and Patricia Lim completed the sweep with a convincing 6-0, 6-2 win over Zaina Omar and Angela Buyante in the second doubles match.
UST improved to 4-1, holding second place, while Ateneo remained winless in five ties.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UP also secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over La Salle in the women’s division, led by Glydel Guevarra’s decisive 6-1, 6-3 win over Jam Madis in the third singles match.
Jufe Cocoy gave UP an early lead with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over Althea Liwag in the second singles match. However, Maikee Vicencio responded for La Salle, overwhelming Gia Cari 6-2, 6-0 to even the tie.
Jonamil Prado and Jesha Cervantes regained UP’s advantage with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Bea Gomez and Precious Miranda in the first doubles match.
In a gripping finish, Amor Idjao and Arianne Nillasca battled past Joshea Malazarte and Sydney Enriquez in the second doubles match, 6(3)-7(7), 6-4, 10-8, to secure a late point for La Salle.
UP maintained third place with a 3-2 record, while La Salle dropped to 1-4, falling to fourth.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Earlier that day, UE rebounded from their previous loss to NU with a 3-2 win over Adamson University. Mark Dave Palanas and Kiz Bryan Cinco sealed the tie for the Red Warriors with a commanding 6-4, 6-1 win over Angelo Rosales and Emmanuel Pedrosa in the first doubles match.
Marc Suson set the pace for UE, crushing Adamson’s Ramon Bentillo, 6-2, 6-0, in the third singles match. JB Aguilar added to UE’s lead with a swift 6-2, 6-0 victory over Lander Butcon in the second singles match.
Adamson attempted a comeback with Miecoz Candelasa’s resilient 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 win against Jarrell Edangga in the first singles match. Nikko Lumahang and Tristan Correos later outlasted Kent Morales and RJ Baje in a thrilling 6(5)-7(7), 6-2, 10-8 second doubles match, earning a late point for Adamson.
UE improved to 5-2, while Adamson slid to 1-6, remaining in sixth place.
