THE UST table tennis teams bagged four victories in the UAAP Season 80 table tennis tournament at the UP College of Human Kinetics gym Wednesday.
The Tiger Paddlers nosed out the University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University with hard-earned 3-2 verdicts.
With the score tied at 2-2 against UP, Tiger Paddler Chebuel Andaloc whipped Gimo Rivera for a thrilling 11-8, 5-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-8 victory.
Trailing 2-1, Nico Nayre defeated FEU’s Christian Villanueva, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7, 12-10, to equalize. UST’s Shen Tunay delivered the final blow after sweeping Joshua Jaro, 11-8, 11-0, 11-9, to complete the comeback.
UST men’s team coach Jackson Que told the Varsitarian his players needed a few more adjustments to secure their wins.
In women’s play, the Lady Paddlers had a perfect day after dominating the Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University with identical 3-0 finishes.
“Na-perform nila ‘yung dapat nilang i-project sa laro. Talagang ‘di kami bibigay kasi kapag nagtuloy-tuloy [kami] na walang talo, kahit walang mangyari against De La Salle University, nasa top two kami. Waiting kami for semifinals,” Lady Paddlers coach Lori Wadjad said.
The Tiger Paddlers solidified their hold of the top spot with an 11-1 win-loss slate. Their female counterparts remained at second seed, 10-2, behind La Salle.
The men’s team will face Ateneo and Adamson while the Lady Paddlers will battle La Salle and National University on Oct. 7, Saturday, at the same venue. with reports from Vladlynn Nona Maryse L. Tadeo
