Photo by Lyner Dayrit
THE UST Tiger Paddlers closed out their offseason in dominant fashion, edging out the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 2-1 in the College Men’s Team Division 1 in the 2025 Philippine Table Tennis Federation Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Challenge on Sunday, Aug. 31, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Tiger Paddlers head coach Jackson Que said the victory served as a confidence booster as the España-based squad eyes their sixth straight UAAP title.
“Our strong performance in pre-season championships significantly boost the team’s morale; especially in building confidence, players’ chemistry and cohesion, refining strategies and identifying areas for improvement.” Que told The Flame.
“The team’s mindset is focused on maintaining a high level of discipline and dedication, while also being mindful of the need to stay humble and focused,” he added.
In the opening singles match, reigning UAAP Season 87 MVP Eljey Tormis dominated Ateneo’s AC Mendez, 3-0.
Ateneo struck back in doubles, as Zhedrel Fresco and Wrency Abad edged UST’s Aljay Villena and Abraham Antivo in a tight five-setter, 3-2, to level the series.
But reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Joshua Manlapaz sealed the championship in the deciding singles match, overpowering Mahendra Cabrido, 3-0, to give UST a 2-1 victory over the Blue Eagles.
Tormis and Manlapaz also added to the medal haul in the College Men’s singles category, finishing first and second, respectively.
In the College Men’s Doubles play, the tandems of Lawrence Melendez and Josh Canalin and Gerald Aguilar and Dirk Atilano secured bronze medals.
The Tiger Paddlers are coming off an undefeated run in Season 87, where they swept the eliminations and clinched the crown to extend their winning streak to 44 straight matches.
With five consecutive UAAP titles under its belt, UST now sets its sights on the program’s 32nd overall title in Season 88. F – with reports from Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
