University of Santo Tomas (UST) completed its triumphant return to the top of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s tennis, defeating University of the Philippines, 3-1, in Game 3 of the Season 88 finals on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court.

Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines sealed the championship for the Male Tennisters with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Miguel Iglupas and Raymund Goco in first doubles, securing UST’s 17th overall title.

“It’s really a good feeling because we know how hard we worked for this. We worked hard from the Final Four until Game 3, so winning this was really a proud moment for us. The team didn’t give up,” UST head coach Alexander Diego said.

UP got off to a strong start as Loucas Fernandez cruised past Evan Bacalso, 6-1, 6-2, in second singles to gain the early lead in the finale.

UST, however, quickly responded. Christopher Sonsona restored parity with a composed 6-4, 6-1 victory over Heinz Carbonilla in first singles.

With the tie tightening, Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ericjay Tangub took control for the Male Tennisters, delivering a steady 6-3, 6-2 win over Lance Fernandez in third singles to swing the momentum firmly in UST’s favor.

UST duo Steven Sonsona and Al Zayeed Baid were a set ahead, 7-6(4), 0-2 against Carl Tan and Andrei Jarata in second doubles when the match was abandoned, clinching the championship.

The Male Tennisters finished the elimination round at 9-3, tying for second with National University and winning a playoff to secure the twice-to-beat advantage.

Their Final Four journey proved equally challenging, as they were pushed to both matches before earning a return to the Finals.

Game 1 of the Finals saw UST sweep UP, 3-0, but the Fighting Maroons responded in Game 2 with a 3-2 win, forcing a winner-take-all showdown.

University of the East’s JB Aguilar was named MVP of the tournament, while UP’s Carl Tan claimed Rookie of the Year honors.