THE UST Tiger Paddlers once again stand on the doorstep of history.
In Season 87, the Tiger Paddlers have the opportunity to achieve their third five-peat, following their championship victories from Seasons 42 to 46 and 53 to 59.
However, longtime UST head coach Jackson Que said clinching another five-peat won’t be easy, noting that after dominating the past four years, the Tiger Paddlers have effectively made themselves prime targets for competitors.
“Tayo ‘yong target ng mga universities. Alam nila na ang team natin, matibay,” Que told the Varsitarian. “Ang atin naman, we’re always trying to maintain and defend the crown, [which] is medyo pressure sa team, pero we still managed to do it naman, with the blessings of God siyempre.”
The last time the Tiger Paddlers tasted defeat was in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 82 finals in 2019.
Still, they clinched the UAAP crown that year and started a 30-game win streak that has spanned four years and counting. Over this period, they secured four straight titles, cementing their dynasty in men’s table tennis.
This season, the Tiger Paddlers aim to protect their dominant legacy with a mix of veteran holdovers and promising recruits.
Philippine team players Ray Manlapaz, Cayl Chavez, and Aljay Villena will bolster the lineup as rookies, joining an already formidable roster that includes Eljey Tormis, Prince Garcia, and MVPs John Castro and Alvin Sevilla.
Castro and Sevilla were set to play their final year in Season 86, but disruptions in the UAAP calendar due to Covid-19 extended their eligibility for one more season.
“I’m expecting ‘yong mga junior, mga rookie, mag-perform sila,” Que said. “Then, ‘yong mga senior, maintain the form and composure.”
Que urged the Tiger Paddlers to display their caliber and cohesion across all categories.
“Focus tayo sa lahat kasi ang UAAP table tennis ay isang team event. Once naglalaro na, may singles, [may doubles], pero pag binilang ‘yon, team talaga siya,” he said. “Importante lahat ng lineup, so talagang bantay na bantay natin ‘yon.”
To avoid succumbing to complacency, Que said the team would adopt a fresh mentality in Season 87 by channeling the hunger of a rookie clawing their way into the league.
“Parang rookie lang tayo lahat,” he said. “That way, ang nangyayari, nagiging mas relaxed, mas composed, mas lumalabas ‘yong laro natin.”
The UST Tiger Paddlers will face FEU Tamaraws and the Adamson Soaring Falcons Nov.17, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay. V. P. Pagaduan VII
