REIGNING CHAMPIONS UST Male Tennisters overpowered the UP Fighting Maroons, 4-1, to enter the UAAP Season 87 men’s tennis Final Four on Wednesday, March 19, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
UST climbed to a 7-1 record, sharing the top spot with the NU Bulldogs.
Ericjay Tangub set the tone for the España-based squad, prevailing in a hard-fought battle against Miguel Iglupas, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, in the second singles match.
Reigning MVP Nilo Ledama then delivered a clutch performance, rallying from a first-set setback to defeat Lance Fernandez, 6(1)-7(7), 6-3, 6-3, giving UST a 2-0 lead.
UP managed to avoid a shutout as Aslan Carbonilla mounted a comeback victory against Sebastian Santos, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, in the third singles match.
UST’s tandem of Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines sealed their team’s Final Four spot with a triumph over Loucas Fernandez and Raymond Goco, 7(7)-6(3), 6-2, in the first doubles duel.
In the second doubles match, Season 86 Finals MVP Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan completed UST’s dominant outing, securing a 7(7)-6(2), 6-2, win over UP’s pair of Andrei Jarata and Ava Mandac.
The Male Tennisters will look to solidify their standing when they take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons at the same venue on Saturday, March 21. F
