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MANILA, Philippines — National University defended its throne after edging University of the Philippines, 3-2, in the UAAP Season 76 men’s tennis championship Tuesday at the Philippine Columbian Association courts.
The Bulldogs pulled off another perfect season and have now 22 consecutive games dating back to last season’s title romp.
“I just realized [what we’re able to achieve] now, it [seems] to have come to us by surprise,” said an overwhelmed NU coach Karl Santamaria.
Season MVP Fritz Verdad fittingly sealed the title for NU after dominating Joshua Cano, 6-2, 6-0, in the deciding singles match after the Fighting Maroons evened the count at 2-2 behind the winning pair of Franklin Encarnacion and Gab Gutierrez in the second doubles match.
UP actually took a 1-0 headstart after Rookie of the Year Jurence Mendoza flexed his muscles in a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Dheo Talatayod in the singles opener.
The Bulldogs then won two matches in a row with Jigo Pena and Al Michael Madrio easily winning in the first doubles match and Leander Lazaro prevailing in the second singles match.
“Last year, the players were just in their sophomore season and they all lacked experience but this time they were really calm and poised,” added Santamaria, who won seven men’s titles with University of Santo Tomas.
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NU wins UAAP men’s tennis championship