The Ateneo Men’s Lawn Tennis Team (AMLTT) declared a spirited victory over the University of the East Lawnnetters, 3-1, in the Final Four match-up earlier today at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center-Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in the City of Manila.
Possessing a twice-to-beat advantage, the Blue Eagles’ win automatically sends Ateneo back to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 Men’s Tennis Tournament finals.
Commencing the crucial gameday was Ateneo ace Noy Seno who immediately claimed court momentum over UE’s Jarell Edanga, 3-2. Staking Edanga on the scoreboard, the Atenean easily closed out the first set, 6-2, and continued his dominance in set two. Seno quickly finished the second set with similar numbers, eventually collecting the Blue and White’s first win of the day 6-2.
Looking to build on their teammates’ strong opening performance, Blue Eagles JJ Llavore and Stef Gurria suited up to face Lawnnetters Rj Baje and Rj Singon for the first doubles match. The UE tandem came out of the gates strong and proved to be a challenge as the duo immediately asserted a three-point advantage, 1-4. However, Llavore and Gurria held steady to force three deadlocks, eventually pushing for a tiebreak, 6-6. The Katipunan-based duo stood firm for a 7-4 lead, to get the first set, 7-6.
Unbothered by Ateneo’s upturn, Baje and Singson showcased their offensive prowess to level the playing field, and secured the following set in convincing fashion, 6-3. Sustaining the winning energy, UE proceeded to claim their first team-tie win after containing Ateneo in the decider, 6-2.
Attempting to re-swing the tide in favor of the Blue and White, Nio Tria and Axl Gonzaga stamped their dominance in their doubles matchup after an easy 6-3 first set win against Dawson Ormoc and Prince Lastimosa. Despite the Recto-based duo’s commendable effort to force a standstill at 5-5 in the following frame, Tria and Gonzaga boasted their impeccable team chemistry, 7-5, for a two game advantage in Ateneo’s favor.
In the must-win second single’s match, Blue Eagle Rookie JD Velez momentarily stumbled into a roadblock after Macoy Suson’s dominant showing to win the first set, 3-6. Velez and Suson consequently battled it out in the following set with neither letting the lead grow to more than one point, 5-4. Tied at 5-5, Velez showcased outstanding endurance to force a decider, 7-5. Continuing his good form in the final strophe, Velez stifled Suson’s efforts for a comeback, 4-4, ultimately booking the finals ticket for the Blue and White, 6-4.
Hungry to claim the top prize this season, the AMLTT will face the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Male Tennisters for a rematch of last year’s finals on Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30 AM in the same venue.
Team-Tie Score: Ateneo-UE: 3-1
First Men’s Singles: 6-2, 6-2
Second Men’s Singles: 3-6, 7-5, 6-4
First Men’s Doubles: 7-6, 3-6, 2-6
Second Men’s Doubles: 6-3, 7-5
