UE, Ateneo clash in UAAP lawn tennis finals

University of the East and Ateneo arranged a finals showdown after steamrolling separate foes in the UAAP Season 80 men’s lawn tennis Saturday at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

The Red Warriors, who are aiming for their second straight title, beat De La Salle, 4-1, while the Blue Eagles also made quick work of University of the Philippines, 4-1.

AJ Lim, the reigning MVP, led the romp for UE, which extended its perfect run to six games.

Apart from Lim, Joshua Kinaadman and Dolfo Barquin also gave their team victories in singles matches while Rogelio Estaño an RJ Saga emerged winners in the doubles event.

The Eagles, meanwhile, turned to doubles specialists Luke Flores and Erj Gatdula, and AJ Rivero and Julian Dayrit and singles standouts Ino Canlas and Marcen Gonzales to advance into the championship round.

Ateneo booked its firs finals trip since 2011.

But before the title clash, the two powerhouse teams will meet in an all-important championship preview on March 11.

UE will earn a twice-to-beat edge in the title round with a victory while a loss will make it a best-of-three finals duel.