October 28, 2015, 9:42p.m. – THE UST Male Tiger Paddlers will play in the finals but their female counterparts won’t be.
The Male Paddlers dropped a five-set thriller in the first game before conquering the Far Eastern University, 3-1, the UAAP Season 78 table tennis tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Tuesday.
The Female Paddlers stayed alive after a come-from-behind upset of the University of the Philippines, 3-2, but failed to overcome FEU’s twice-to-beat advantage, 3-2, 1-3.
“Natuto ‘yung mga players natin na huwag maging relax at kampante,” Male Paddlers coach Jackson Que told the Varsitarian. “Pipilitin nating [mapanalunan ang championship bukas].”
Adolfo Bazar ensured the finals ticket for the Male Paddlers with a 3-0 win in the fourth match.
Gil Ablanque, Alberto Bazar, and Norielle Pantoja gave UST its first two wins with 3-1 victories after Paul Que failed to steal a tight first game, 2-3.
Female Paddler Danica Alburo failed to send their do-or-die match against FEU into a decider when the team lost two straight sets after taking a 2-1 advantage.
The Male Paddlers will start their best-of-three finals series tomorrow against the De La Salle University at the same venue. John Chester P. Fajardo
