TRAMPLING THE competition, the Ateneo Men’s Table Tennis Team (AMTTT) conquered the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Paddlers and Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons in similar 3-1 triumphs. The contests took place earlier today at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Pasay City.
These results solidified the Blue Eagles’ third-straight University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Finals appearance.
8:00 AM match vs. DLSU (Playoff for second seed)
Commencing the festivities for the Blue Eagles was reigning Rookie of the Year Andree Garcia. Despite a highly contested five-setter, the Atenean faltered to DLSU’s Elijah Yamson, 9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 7-11.
Looking to redeem the previous result for his squad, veteran Kong Cabrido staved off Troy Docto in a tight-knit four sets, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8.
Adding onto the positive momentum for the Katipunan-based unit was the duo of France De Asis and Drozle Fresco, outpacing the Taft-based Andrei Villacruel and Peter Zambrano in convincing fashion, 11-6, 6-11, 11-2, 11-7.
Finishing what his teammates started, Team Captain Andrew Uy showcased his experience, overcoming three straight back-and-forth sets against Red Torres to secure the team-tie victory and the second seed for Ateneo, 6-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-8.
2:00 PM match vs. AdU (Stepladder round two)
Now on the next rung of the ladder, Cabrido was first to suit up for the Blue and White, taking on Adamson’s Amiel Aroma. The experienced veteran took care of his opponent in four sets, providing a much-needed spark, 11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 11-5.
Following his earlier victory, the streaking Team Captain Uy looked to carry over his momentum against Amiel Sumadsad. Unfortunately, the seasoned veteran was bested by the opposition in five close sets, 11-13, 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 10-12.
With the team-tie level at one apiece, Fresco and De Asis once again joined forces, this time squaring up against Aldrean Gacho and Jhon Brylle Balucos. Despite immense pressure, the Blue Eagle pairing claimed victory in four sets to put Ateneo back in the driver’s seat, 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7.
Needing just one more match victory, it was in the hands of Wrency Abad to seal the deal against Adamson’s Joshua Lascano. In a perfect outing, Abad quickly dealt with his opponent in just three sets to punch their ticket to the finals, 11-9, 11-4, 11-8.
The Blue Eagles will once again attempt to dethrone the juggernaut four-time defending champion University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 87 Finals tomorrow, November 26, at 8:00 AM in the same venue.
