THE UST Male Tennisters’ two-year reign in the UAAP ended on Saturday, April 12, as the NU Bulldogs swept them in Game 2, 3-0, to take the crown and wrap up the Season 87 men’s tennis tournament finals at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
It was a heartbreaking finish for the Male Tennisters, who completed the elimination round with only one loss — a first-round defeat against NU, which got its revenge after being eliminated by UST in the Final Four in each of the past two seasons.
Although the Male Tennisters fell short, UST assistant coach Johnny Arcilla expressed pride in the program’s success over the past three years.
”Siympre masakit ‘yong pakiramdam ng players ko. Siyempre nasaktan sila, gusto nila mag three-peat. Hindi naman lahat ibibigay sa’yo,” Arcilla told the Varsitarian.
“Iba talaga ‘yong pakiramdam na talo kami ngayong finals pero not bad dahil we’re in the finals, two championships, and one podium in three years. Bawi na lang kami next Season 88. Doble kayod na naman kami.”
NU’s Andre Padao opened Game 2 with a 6-3, 6-0 drubbing of Christopher Sonsona, before three-time league MVP Nilo Ledama fell to EJ Tugade, 6-4, 6-4.
UST’s Sebastian Santos tried to keep the Male Tennisters’ title retention hopes alive in the two-hour match but ultimately fell to NU’s Aljon Talatayod, 7-6, 6-2, dethroning UST.
“Maraming teams ang gustong umabot sa finals and let alone mag champion,” Arcilla said. “Masaya ako sa result ng team. Talagang naging uhaw ‘yong mga kalaban nating maka-isa sa championship.”
Graduating Male Tennisters Ledama, Nick Isagan, Gio Serino, Symon Jaculan still have playing years left but have not confirmed whether they will use them in Season 88.
