DEFENDING champion University of Santo Tomas and National University secured their spots in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Tennis Final Four after defeating their respective opponents, Wednesday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila.
The Male Tennisters leaned on Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan in a pivotal second doubles match, where the duo delivered a commanding 7(7)-6(2), 6-2 victory over Andrei Jarata and Ava Mandac to clinch a 4-1 win against University of the Philippines.
“’Di pa rin dapat kami luluwang. Ganu’n pa rin ‘yung routine namin araw-araw, training tapos kailangan alagaan namin ‘yung fitness nila kasi du’n talaga nagkakatalo. ‘Pag tumagal ‘yung laro namin, ‘yung iba kasi nagka-cramps na so talagang importante ‘yung meron kaming therapist na nag-aayos sa fitness namin,” said UST assistant coach Johnny Arcilla.
“May tiwala kami sa players namin kasi mga beterano na sila eh. Meron kaming MVP, rookie-MVP, so ‘yung mindset namin, focus lang talaga muna,” he added.
Ericjay Tangub delivered a gritty performance in a back-and-forth second singles match, overcoming UP’s Miguel Iglupas with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory to get UST rolling.
Nilo Ledama added to UST’s strong start with a hard-fought 6(1)-7(7), 6-3, 6-3 win over Lance Fernandez in the first singles match, putting the Male Tennisters up 2-0.
Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines then sealed UST’s victory with a composed performance in the first doubles match, outlasting Loucas Fernandez and Raymund Goco in a tight opening set before cruising to a 7(7)-6(3), 6-2 win.
UP’s Aslan Carbonilla ensured the Fighting Maroons avoided a sweep, pulling off a come-from-behind 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Sebastian Santos in the third singles match.
The Male Tennisters improved to 7-1, tying the Bulldogs at the top of the standings, while the Fighting Maroons slipped to 6-3, holding onto third place in the tournament supported by Wilson Philippines.
Meanwhile, NU handed Ateneo de Manila University a tough blow, pushing the Blue Eagles to the brink of elimination with a dominant 5-0 sweep. EJ Tugade highlighted NU’s win with a resilient 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Stef Gurria in the second singles match.
“Ganun din naman yung last year na nangyari sa amin na pumasok doon sa Final Four, ganoon pa rin na ‘di kailangan na porket nakapasok na, magre-relax kaya thankful kasi nanalo kami,” said NU head coach Ronard Joven.
Ties on Saturday
(Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center)
7 a.m. — NU vs. UST (Women’s)
7 a.m. — Ateneo vs. UP (Women’s)
2 p.m. — UE vs. Ateneo (Men’s)
2 p.m. — UST vs. Adamson (Men’s)
2 p.m. — NU vs. DLSU (Men’s)