Redemption for the National University in the men’s division. After a six-year wait, N.U. finally reclaimed the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Tennis title–but their celebration was split, as the University of Santo Tomas shattered their dynasty in the Women’s tournament.
Recaptured Golden Glory for N.U.
For both the Men’s and Women’s Tournament, it was UST against NU. This tennis duel was such a “match made in heaven” as all of the games were tightly contested.
There are 3 Singles matches to be played, one game at a time, it is a battle in which the team will win 3 sets first. For the men’s finals, Game 1 was a hard-fought battle as N.U. won 3 – 2.
Team Captain of N.U., EJ Tugade, who was given the co-MVP honors, struck first blood in the first singles match against Nilo Ledama. This was also the first time that Ledama lost a game in this tournament.
Final Score: 6 – 4, 6-4
For the second Singles match, Season 87 Rookie of the Year, Andrei Padao dominated his game against Christopher Sonsona
Final Score: 6 -3, 6 – 0
And to finally seal the deal, it was Aljon Talatayod who had the most pressure felt as his match against Sebastian Santos was the last Singles game to be played. If he wins, he and his teammates become champions, but the path wasn’t easy.
He trailed 1 – 5 in the opening set. But Talatayod was making sure that there won’t be any more Game 3 as he finished Sebastian Santos in order to give the crown back to his university.
Final score: 7 – 6, 6 – 2
A perfect 3 – 0 for the squad of Head Coach Bobby Esquivel of National University.
Ending the Reign for UST
Game 1 belonged to NU as they won 3 -1, while UST tied the series in Game ,2 winning 3 – 1.
Considering that N.U. has won 3 straight titles in this tournament, in the winner-takes-all Game 3, these athletes left everything on the hard court.
The women of UST were certain they weren’t going home with two silver medals.
The graduating student, Patricia Lim, was able to win the first Singles match as she dominated her game against Julia Carvajal.
Final Score: 6 – 4, 6 – 1
Meanwhile, MVP Kaye Emana had a hard-fought Set 2 against JM Carcueva, but she still became victorious.
Final Score: 6 – 2, 7 – 5
Now, having been up 2 – 0, it is all up to Mica Emana to give her school the elusive golden trophy, which they have been aiming to have for the last 7 years. The Rookie of the Year showed that she has what it takes to earn the trust of her UST coach, Dennis Sta. Cruz.
In the last singles match against Danna Abad, the game went into a thrilling Set 3. In the end, Emana wasn’t going to let her teammates down. UST won, and Mica not only claimed the championship but also the Finals MVP.
Final Score: 7 – 5, 4 – 6, 6 – 2,
This is UST’s trophy number 8 as they deny N.U. of their dynasty.
Daily Fantasy: 'YUN OH! NANDITO NA ANG PBA
