THE ATENEO Table Tennis Teams encountered another set of challenges on the third day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 tournament, tallying more split results.
The Ateneo Men’s Table Tennis Team (AMTTT) continued to experience varied results, sweeping the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws but losing to the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons by a sweep.
On the flip side, the Ateneo Women’s Table Tennis Team (AWTTT) ended their three-game-long skid, with a victory over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons. However, the Katipunan-based team was immediately neutralized by the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 0-3.
The third day of the tournament took place earlier today at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Pasay City.
Men’s Table Tennis
8:00 AM match vs. FEU
Bouncing back from yesterday’s loss to the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Paddlers, the Blue Eagles swept the FEU Tamaraws, 3-0, while only dropping two sets in the entire bout.
In the first singles match, Season 86 Rookie of the Year (ROY) Rod Garcia completely overpowered FEU’s Dane Piala and cruised to a straight-set victory, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3.
Following his sophomore’s lead, Team Captain Andrew Uy ruled the table, defeating Tamaraw bet Peter Cubio in the four-set singles match, 11-4, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7.
Dynamic duo Victor de Asis and Drozle Fresco then capped off the morning’s games with an astounding four-set triumph over FEU’s Claer Riego and Louis Sacay, 15-13, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9.
2:00 PM match vs. AdU
After their dominant 3-0 win over the Tamaraws, the AMTTT’s momentum came to yet another blaring stop when the Soaring Falcons defeated the Blue Eagles in three straight matches.
The Blue and White’s slide began with skipper Uy struggling to contest Amiel Sumadsad’s thunderous topspins in every set, 11-13, 5-11, 12-14.
Ateneo’s woes continued in Garcia’s match versus Adamson’s Amiel Aroma. The sophomore completely crumbled against the Soaring Falcon’s drives, unable to score double-digits in all three sets, 7-11, 9-11, 5-11.
Finally, despite taking a frame, Blue Eagle duo Augustus Mendez and Fresco ultimately fell against AdU’s Jhon Balucos and Aldrean Gacho, as the Blue and White’s day ended in complete defeat, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 3-11.
Following the results today, the Men’s Team remained at fourth place, holding a 3-3 win-loss record in their rocky UAAP Season 87 campaign so far.
Women’s Table Tennis
8:00 AM match vs UP
Finally breaking their slump, the AWTT defeated the UP Fighting Maroons with a 3-1 team-tie score. Blue Eagle skipper Kaela Aguilar ushered the win by taking down UP’s Jimnah Labrador with a sweep, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8.
In the second singles match, Angela Jover fought mightily but fell in her close encounter against Althaea Salvador which ended with an overtime loss, 8-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7, 11-13.
Despite Jover’s loss, Blue Eagle tandem Kathleene Bulaqueña and Celeen Docto quickly trounced Ella Hical and Khorquina Lozada of the Fighting Maroons in four thrilling sets, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-4.
Jelaine Monteclaro ended the set of Katipunan battles showcasing her stellar racket play, as the reigning ROY swiftly defeated Bethel Sadora, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, to clinch the 3-1 Blue and White victory.
2:00 PM match vs FEU
Just like with their men’s counterparts, the AWTTT’s newfound momentum was immediately shattered in the next match. The FEU Lady Tamaraws left the Blue and White zero breathing room, winning with a 3-0 team-tie score.
In the opening singles match, Blue Eagle Jover found herself outclassed by Aizel Rom, losing in four sets, 1-11, 9-11, 11-8, 5-11.
Team Captain Aguilar did her utmost to increase the velocity of her attacks. However, FEU’s Ashley Sobrevilla came out on top in a five-set thriller, 11-4, 5-11, 7-11, 11-7 11-9.
In the first and final doubles match, the Bulaqueña-Docto tandem failed to counter the Lady Tamaraws’ attacks, ultimately falling in straight sets, 8-11, 6-11, 10-11.
The result underscored a complete Lady Tamaraw victory in the afternoon, while also leaving the AWTTT stuck in fifth place with a 2-4 record in UAAP Season 87.
Still seeking to secure spots for the Final Four, the Ateneo Table Tennis Teams will look to tally more wins tomorrow, at 8:00 AM, in the same venue.
Men’s Standings (W-L):
- UST Tiger Paddlers (6-0)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (4-2)
- DLSU Green Paddlers (4-2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (3-3)
- UP Fighting Maroons (3-3)
- FEU Tamaraws (1-5)
- UE Red Warriors (0-5)
Women’s Standings (W-L):
- UST Lady Paddlers (6-0)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (5-1)
- DLSU Lady Paddlers (4-2)
- AdU Lady Falcons (2-4)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (2-4)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-5)
- UE Red Warriors (1-5)
