UST, FEU win UAAP tennis titles

University of Santo Tomas (UST) bagged the women's table tennis crown even as Far Eastern University (FEU) ended a 27-year hunt in the UAAP Season 69. FEU actually had the chance of also pocketing the women's title but the Tigresses regained their focus in the second round and in the title duel against the Lady Tams. After failing to sweep the season and absorbing a 2-3 loss to the Tams in the first round, the Tigresses went all out in the second round, winning all four assignment. And apart from avenging their loss against the Lady Tams, the Tigresses blanked FEU, 3-0, in the title match. UST also reigned supreme in the juniors action with the Tiger Cubs ending University of the East's three-year reign with a 3-1 win in the finals. University of the Philippines (UP) was third, followed by Ateneo, Adamson U and National U in the juniors competitions. The Tamaraws, too, had to undergo anxious moments before winning the men's plum. They faced an unwavering UP Maroons team in the semis before winning, 3-1. "We've been waiting for this title for so long. We struggled in the semifinals but I'm glad my players were able to sustain their performances," said FEU coach and former national player Noel Gonzales. UST settled for second spot in the men's contest, while UP finished third. UE was fourth while NU and Ateneo landed fifth and sixth, respectively. Selected as men's Most Valuable Player was FEU's Ralph Carangay while Gabriel Nana man of UP was picked Rookie of the Year (ROY). Jaimee Yanga of UST took the women's MVP plum and Stephanie Taba of FEU was the season's top rookie. In the high school division, Kheith Lhynne Cruz was awarded the MVP and teammate Jethro Reuel Yatco grabbed ROY honors. - GMANews.TV