BOTH UST men’s and women’s tennis teams secured spots in the UAAP Season 86 finals after displaying dominant performances on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court.
Defending champion UST Male Tennisters outlasted the NU Bulldogs, 3-2, in the semifinals bracket.
The UST men’s team got off to a strong start with last year’s rookie-MVP Nilo Ledama, claiming the first victory, 6-2, 6-4, over NU’s Jules Lazaro.
Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines continued the momentum, defeating Ibarra Ortega and Angil Balaoing, 6-4, 7-5, to give UST a commanding 2-0 lead.
NU managed to pull off a thrilling comeback. Vince Tugade’s successive kills defeated Sebastian Santos in a lopsided fashion, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0, while the duo of Allen Manlangit and Gab Bandoquillo evened the score, 6-4, 6-2, after beating Steven Sonsona and Christopher Sonsona.
However, Ericjay Tangub secured the crucial win for UST, 6-4, 6-1, against Miguel Vincencio, booking its place in the finals.
The UST women’s team also triumphed against the UP Fighting Maroons 4-1.
Alexei Santos opened the singles match with a close victory over UP’s Renee Esteban, 6-0, 6-3.
UST’s Kaye Emana continued the dominance with a strong performance against Fighting Magroon Jufe Cocoy, 6-0, 6-3. Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja further extended the lead by pulverizing Anica Cari and Jonamil Prado in the doubles match, 6-2, 6-0.
While Rachel Velez displayed remarkable tenacity for UP, overcoming Patricia Lim, 6-2, 7-5, to avoid a sweep, UST ultimately sealed the victory. Debbie Gom-os and Miles Vitaliano struck the final blow, outplaying Joshea Malazarte and Jesha Cervantes, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, to secure the win.
The UST men’s team will defend its crown from the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a rematch of last season’s finals. The women’s team, meanwhile, will challenge the reigning champions NU Lady Bulldogs.
Both finals will take place at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court on Wednesday, April 3, at 7:30 am. F – Nolan Adrian Villamor, Jr. with reports from Grehmalyne Carandang
