THE UST Paddlers banked on a strong finish in the elimination round to enter the Final Four of the UAAP Season 77 table tennis tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo de Manila University last Sept. 29.
The Tiger Paddlers notched the second seed and a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs after posting an 11-3 record behind undefeated De La Salle University.
The Lady Paddlers leaned on two crucial victories late in the second round to secure the last spot of the Final Four with a 7-5 card.
In men’s play, the Tiger Paddlers survived a late scare from National University after the Bulldogs forced a deciding fifth game.
UST's Kevin Enriquez pulled off a stellar performance in the clincher to save his team with a 3-1 win.
UST also defeated Ateneo, Adamson and Far Eastern University to round up an impressive second round where they finished with a 6-1 record.
Returning Tiger Paddlers head coach Jackson Que commended his team for coming out strong in the clutch.
“Mas maganda ‘yung ipinakitang laro ng team, mas nailabas nila ‘yung skills nila,” Que said. “’Yung prediction natin na nasa finals tayo, nandun na talaga ‘yung level nila ngayon.”
With the team peaking at the right moment, Que expects a better UST squad come playoff time.
UST holds a twice-to-beat advantage and will face either the University of the Philippines or FEU who will clash in the stepladder semifinals.
La Salle advanced to the finals after sweeping the elimination round.
The Lady Paddlers had to squeak past Season 76 runner-up La Salle, 3-2, after demolishing Adamson, 3-0, to book the last Final Four slot.
But UST closed the elimination round with a 2-3 loss to FEU.
Lady Paddler Celinber Montes scored a 3-2 upset in the fourth match but V Lupeba failed to match the aggressiveness of the FEU side and came up short in the deciding fifth game, 0-3.
“Nahuli ng kalaban ‘yung line up namin,” Lady Paddlers head coach Lori Wadjad said. “’Yung expected manalo, hindi nanalo.”
With a twice-to-beat disadvantage, Lady Paddlers will take on the defending champion and top-seeded University of the Philippines in the playoffs.
