San jose del monte: University of Santo Tomas (UST) clinched its 17th title by defeating the University of the Philippines (UP) 3-1 in the decisive Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 men's tennis finals at Colegio San Agustin hardcourt on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, UST's victory was sealed when Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines triumphed over Miguel Iglupas and Raymund Goco with scores of 6-4, 6-3. UP initially led 1-0 after Loucas Fernandez defeated Evan Bacalso 6-1, 6-2. However, UST equalized with Christopher Sonsona's win over Heinz Carbonilla 6-4, 6-1. Ericjay Tangub then outplayed Lance Fernandez 6-3, 6-2, giving UST a 2-1 lead. Tangub, who was named Finals MVP, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Blessed. That's all we really pray for, to be champions again."
Steven Sonsona and Al Zayeed Baid of UST were leading against Carl Tan and Andrei Jarata when their match was abandoned. UST coach Alexander Diego praised the team's hard work and resilience, noting that their previous Finals appearances helped them handle the pressure. UST finished the elimination round tied with National University (NU), winning a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage. In the Finals, UST won Game 1 (3-0), while UP took Game 2 (3-2), leading to the decisive match.
In other developments, University of the East (UE) dominated the inaugural boys' division, scoring 39.287 points across singles, doubles, and team events. NU and Ateneo de Manila University followed in second and third place, respectively. NU reclaimed the women's title after sweeping UP, with Elsie Abarquez and UST's Kaye Emana sharing MVP honors. UP's Marielle Jarata was named Rookie of the Year, and Abarquez also took home the Finals MVP award. NU has now claimed eight of the last ten women's titles, with UST winning the other two in Seasons 80 and 87.
