The University of Santo Tomas Male Tennisters are going to their third straight finals appearance after eliminating the University of the East Red Warriors, 4 -1, in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 86 men’s tennis tournament on Saturday, April 5, at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila.

It’s the third straight finals berth of the Male Tennisters since season 85, where they defeated the National University Bulldogs twice to enter the championships.

“We’re happy kasi bumalik ulit kami sa finals,” said UST head coach Alexander Diego in an interview with the Tiebreaker Times.

“Kilala rin naman namin ‘yung players nila [UP and NU], so titingnan namin kung sino ‘yung makakalaban namin diyan and then… we will check the lineup,” he added.

UST’s Ericjay Tangub opened the matchup in favor of the Male Tennisters after dispatching Red Warrior Gerald Gemida, 6-1, 6-4.

The Recto-based squad responded as John Aguilar escaped Male Tennister Sebastian Santos, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, to tie the match, 1-1.

Reigning MVP Nilo Ledama put UST one win away to the finals after triumphing over Red Warrior Mark Suson in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.

Male Tennisters Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines sealed the win after trashing Mark Palanas and RJ Baje, 6–0, 6-2, in the first doubles matchup to secure the Espana-based squad’s ticket to the finals.

UST’s Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan dominated the opening set of the second doubles match against Kent Morales and Kiz Cinco, 6-1, before the UE pair forfeited in the second set, giving the Male Tennisters the win.

The Male Tennisters are set to defend their title on Wednesday, April 9, in the same venue, against the National University Bulldogs.