THE UE Red Warriors dealt the UST Male Tennisters their first loss, 4-1, to open the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s tennis tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court on Wednesday, March 6.
Reigning MVP Nilo Ledama delivered UST’s lone victory in the first singles match after defeating UE’s RJ Singson, 6-7, 6-0, 6-2.
UST’s duo of Richard Bautista and Geo Serino absorbed a 6-2, 7-6 loss to Red Warriors Dawson Ormos and Prince Bo Lasti.
UE’s top player Jarell Edangga completed a come-from-behind win against Ericjay Tangub, 0-6, 7-5, 6-4.
The Red Warriors sealed the deal in the fourth match after Kent Morales and RJ Baje overcame Male Tennisters Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
In the last match, Red Warrior Marc Suson dominated Sebastian Santos, 6-0, 6-1.
“Siguro, it’s not our day kasi nandoon ‘yong chance na makukuha sana namin ‘yong mga game. It’s a wake up call na rin sa amin,” UST head coach Alexander Diego told the Varsitarian. “Kailangan doblehin namin kung ano ‘yong ginagawa namin noong first round.”
“Ngayon kasi kami ‘yong target ng lahat ng school kasi kami ‘yong nasa Top 1 so kailangan sobrang mag-ingat kami,” he added.
UST is now tied with the Ateneo Blue Eagles with identical 6-1 win-loss records for the top spot, while UE improved to a 6-2 record.
The UST Male Tennisters will next face the UP Fighting Maroons at the same venue on Saturday, Mar. 6, at 11 a.m.
