THE ATENEO Men’s Lawn Tennis Team (AMLTT) captured another win in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85, beating the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tennisters in their rematch, 4-1. The AMLTT earned their win over their league rivals earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in the City of Manila.

Nio Tria started Ateneo’s showing today against Enzo Enriquez in the first Singles match. The highly-touted Ateneo rookie took command of the match by winning two straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Tria’s strong opening effectively gave the Blue and White the first team-tie point of the day.

Despite their strong efforts, Stef Gurria and co-captain Chester Tiongson were unable to improve Ateneo’s lead in the first Doubles match against Matt Palasan and RJ Virrey. The Green Tennisters limited the Ateneo duo to three points in both sets, 6-3, 6-3. DLSU’s matchup win ultimately allowed them to even the team-tie score, 1-1.

AMLTT Co-Captain Gab Tiamson then put the Blue and White back on track after beating Matthew Crisosto in the second Singles match. The Ateneo veteran’s experience in Singles action allowed him to control the match and take the first two sets, 6-0, 6-1. This outing thus gave Ateneo a needed team-tie lead, 2-1.

Jed Olivarez secured Ateneo’s win in dominant fashion against Kevin Garrido in the third Singles match. The Blue Eagle continued to find success this season, quickly demolishing the competition in two sets, 6-0, 6-1.

Blue Eagles Mik Balce and JJ Llavore then closed off the day with a three-set win over EJ Geluz and Leyton Portin in the second Doubles match. A tight first set saw ensued with the Ateneo duo urging out a tiebreak first set win, 7-5. The Green Tennisters initially looked to take over the match with a second set win, 6-1. However, the Blue Eagles ultimately eased out a crucial win in the third set, 6-2. This sealed Ateneo’s assertive win today with a team-tie score of 4-1.

Today’s win has advanced Ateneo to a winning record of 7-2 this season. The Blue and White remain to be Final Four contenders, sitting at third place alongside the University of the East Red Warriors.

The AMLTT look to carry on their momentum as they go against the first-seeded University of Santo Tomas Tigers Tennis Team on Wednesday, April 12, at 1:00 PM at the same venue.

Team Tie Score: Ateneo-DLSU: 4-1

First Men’s Singles: Tria def. Enriquez, 6-3, 6-2

First Men’s Doubles: Gurria & Tiongson fall to Palasan & Virrey, 6-3, 6-3

Second Men’s Doubles: Tiamson def. Crisosto, 6-0, 6-1

Third Men’s Singles: Olivarez def. Garrido, 6-0, 6-1

Second Men’s Singles: Balce & Llavore def. Gelus & Portin, 7-5, 1-6, 6-2