BACKHAND RETURN. University of Santo Tomas player Symon Jaculan makes a backhand return during the UAAP Season 86 men's tennis tournament at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila on Wednesday (April 3, 2024). UST won the first tie of the best-of-three finals, 3-2. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas moved closer to sweeping the UAAP Season 86 men's and women's tennis titles after posting contrasting wins at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila on Wednesday.
The defending champion men's team banked on doubles pair Symon Jaculan and Steven Sonsona to prevail over Ateneo de Manila University, 3-2, and take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three ties finals showdown.
Jaculan and Sonsona outplayed Axl Gonzaga and Nio Tria, 7(3)-6, 6-7(6), 7-5.
"We lost the first singles so we really pushed to win. We pushed our limit because our opponents have a higher level than us. Our only mindset in the third set was that we needed to win," said Jaculan, who is in his second year with the team.
Ateneo won the first singles following Noy Seno's 6-4, 6-0 victory over EJ Tangub. UST equalized when Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines beat JJ Llavore and Stef Gurria, 6-0, 6-4, in the first doubles match.
JD Velez stunned reigning MVP Nilo Ledama, 6-0, 2-6, 6-4, in the second singles to put Ateneo ahead, 2-1, but Seb Santos conquered Austin Delos Santos, 7-6, 6-1, to tie the score at 2-2.
"It's important for us to get the first tie because it's only up to three. We'll stay focused on training and don't forget to pray so we can get it on Saturday," Jaculan said.
In the women's division, UST showed its determination to end a six-season drought after pulling off a 3-1 win over National University.
Rookie Kaye Emana survived Elsie Abarquez, 7-5, 7-6(0), in the first singles, but NU leveled after reigning MVP Allyssa Mae Bornia and Alliah Ragunton trounced Debbie Gom-os and Miles Vitaliano, 6-2, 6-4.
Alexei Santos, playing in her final season, defeated JM Carcueva in the second singles, 6-3, 6-1, while Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja won over Angela Cabaral and Rovie Baulete, 6-2, 6-4, to wrap up the tie.
"NU hasn't lost in the Finals yet, but we did it. This is very important to us because it will boost our confidence," said Santos, who graduated with a pharmacy degree last year.
"I really want us to win the championship because it's my last year. There are no plans to come back but coach (Dennis Santamaria) talked to me to come back. So, it's a bit of a sacrifice to get the championship," said Santos.
The second tie is set for Saturday at 7:30 a.m. (PNA)
