UST readies for potential UAAP tennis double

c/o UAAP

Ties Wednesday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center

7:30 a.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Men's Finals Tie 1)

7:30 a.m. - NU vs UST (Women's Finals Tie 1)

The UAAP is set to start the finals of its collegiate tennis tournament on Wednesday morning, with the Felicismo Ampon Tennis Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex set to host the men's and women's finals simultaneously.

Fresh from winning key ties just over a week ago, the University of Santo Tomas is hopeful it can pull off a collegiate double with its Male and Female Tennisters.

The former locked in their spot in the finals after dispatching National University, 3-2 in the Final Four, behind the efforts of reigning Most Valuable Player Nilo Ledama.

Serving as the obstacle to a record fifteenth title is Ateneo, who defeated the University of the East in the other semifinal fixture, 3-1.

Potential Rookie of the Year candidate JD Velez ensured a repeat of last year's finals matchup after outlasting Marc Nicole Suson in the second singles match, 6-3 7-5 6-4.

UST won both elimination round ties this season with 4-1 scorelines, something they are hopeful to build on for a successful title retention campaign.

Male Tennisters mentor Johnny Arcilla shares, "Last time nakalaban natin [ang Ateneo] head-to-head 2-0 tayo lamang tayo [UST] eh so hindi pa sila nananalo sa’min eh. Di pa sila [Ateneo] nananalo samin simula noong first round. So, sana magtuluy-tuloy."

Meanwhile, the Female Tennisters will have a tough task on their hands, with National University serving as the final boss after the Lady Bulldogs swept through the eliminations, including 3-2 victories in both of their meetings this season.

Mae Bornia is seeking to extend their reign to a third consecutive season against the squad led by Alexei Santos. The reigning Most Valuable Player shares about their matchup, "We are excited na maglaro po in the Finals ulit. But mindset talaga namin ngayon is mag-focus and one game at a time."

Santos and company needed a playoff to secure their spot in the finals, outlasting UP, 4-1.