DEFENDING CHAMPIONS UST Male Tennisters endured their first defeat in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s tennis tournament, bowing to the NU Bulldogs, 3-2, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Wednesday, March 12.
With the loss, UST now sits alongside NU at the top of the standings with a 5-1 record.
In the first singles match, UST’s Sebastian Santos survived EJ Tugade in a three-set thriller, 2-6, 7(7)-6(0), 6-2.
Male Tennister Nilo Ledama dominated Jules Lazaro with a commanding score of 6-1, 6-2, in the second singles match.
The Bulldogs responded with Andrei Padao outlasting Ericjay Tangub, taking a 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (ret.) win, after the latter was forced to withdraw from the match due to cramps.
In the doubles action, NU’s duo of Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla mounted a comeback from a set down to overcome Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines, 2-6, 6-4, 10-3.
Riding the momentum, Bulldogs Aljon Talatayod and Gab Bandoquillo extended their win streak to five after taking out Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan, 3-6, 6-4, 10-6.
The schedule for the second round of the men’s tournament is yet to be announced. F
