WITH THEIR backs against the wall, The Ateneo Men’s Lawn Tennis Team (AMLTT) captured a crucial victory against the UST Male Tennisters in tie two of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Men’s Lawn Tennis Tournament Finals. The match was held earlier at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center-Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in the City of Manila.

Commencing the must-win day, Ateneo’s Noy Seno took the tough task of facing two-time MVP, Nilo Ledama. Despite notching the first points, Seno struggled to find his mark afterward. Carrying frustration, the Blue Eagle committed multiple errors, allowing Ledama to take control of the set, 6-2.

Regrouping in the second set, Seno managed to calm his emotions and swing momentum into his side. Reversing the story, Seno countered with his own attacks, prevailing in set two, 6-2. Fueled by a 4-0 start in the deciding set, Seno dominated his way to a 6-2 finish. A service ace to end the set would cap off his come-from-behind performance and give Ateneo the first team tie.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss in game one, Nio Tria and Axl Gonzaga were determined to redeem themselves. The ever-reliable duo came out with aggression, dismantling UST’s Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines, 6-2, in set one. With UST unable to match their relentless energy, the Atenean duo would proceed to breeze through the second frame, 6-1. 

In the second singles, Austin Delos Santos faced UST’s Ericjay Tungab. Despite facing a 1-4 disadvantage early in the first period, Delos Santos showed a glimpse of hope by taking the next two games to cut the deficit to one, 4-3. Despite a valiant effort, Tungab cut the Blue Eagle’s comeback attempt short by closing out the next two games, 6-3. In the following set, Delos Santos continued to struggle as he would only secure one point, conceding to Tungab, 1-6.

Over on the doubles action, JJ Llavore and Stefano Gurria took on Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan. The first freestyles saw the Espana-based squad come out with a fiery offensive pace to prevail, 3-6. Picking up their energy and communication, Llavore and Gurria forced a deciding set after a breakthrough 6-2 victory in the second frame. In the final set, the Blue Eagles got off to a slow start, sitting at a 1-4 disadvantage. However, Llavore and Gurria fought back into the game, tying their adversaries at 4-4. Although the Atenean tandem showed multiple signs of optimism, Jaculan and Sonsona would once again deliver the finishing blow to the Blue and White as they closed out the doubles match, 4-6.

With their season on the line, JD Velez’s ability to handle pressure was once again tested against UST’s Sebastian Santos. The Atenean rookie maintained composure throughout the back-and-forth rallies, consequently allowing Velez to attain a close 6-4 victory in the first set and putting Ateneo one step closer to victory. In the following set, Santos continued to prove as a formidable opponent by forcing a deadlock at 4-4. Nevertheless, it was Velez’s explosive and powerful hits that prevailed in the latter parts of the game. Having an advantage point over Santos in the last play, Santos committed a netball violation that sealed the deal for the Blue Eagles, 6-4.

As the Blue Eagles braved through a do-die-die tie for the UAAP Men’s Tennis title, they mustered up a lot of courage to take down the defending champions. When asked how they were able to stay encouraged, Coach Gee Abacan expressed that everyone just needed to step up, especially since the Blue and White experienced three straight losses to UST this season. 

“We were not down. In fact, we told each other that we had to forget it. We had to accept it and just move forward,” said Abacan.

Aside from the team’s victory, Gonzaga was named the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year earlier today. With stellar performances throughout the season, Gonzaga has brought a bright future upon the Ateneo Lawn Tennis team and has made a name for himself in the collegiate scene.

Gonzaga and the rest of the Blue Eagles will look to close out their remarkable campaign on top as they face the UST Lawn Tennisters tomorrow at 7:30 AM. Game three of the finals will be held at the same venue.