By el Amigo
MANILA — The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons have finally regained their place among the UAAP’s semifinal contenders, with both their men’s and women’s table tennis teams advancing to the Final Four after years of absence.
The two squads overcame disappointing 0-3 starts to their Season 89 campaigns, winning their crucial matches on Tuesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City to secure semifinal berths.
For the UP men’s team, the breakthrough marked its first Final Four appearance since Season 81 in 2018.
The Fighting Maroons sealed their return with a 3-1 triumph over De La Salle University, with rookie Stephen Llemit providing the clinching point through a hard-fought five-set victory against Kieron Villacruel.
Rookie Earl Tolentino also came through with an important singles win, while Benz Florida and Mark Aguilar combined to deliver a valuable doubles point.
The women’s team ended an even longer wait, making its first semifinal appearance since Season 80 in 2017.
Maan Gumobao spearheaded the Fighting Maroons’ push, helping the squad register back-to-back victories over Adamson University, 3-1, and the University of the East, 3-0.
The UP men’s team now prepares for a semifinal showdown with Ateneo, while the women’s squad braces for a clash with defending champion Far Eastern University.
FEU heads into the knockout stage as the team to beat after completing a clean sweep of the elimination round with a 6-0 record. The defending champions have also stretched their winning run to 18 consecutive matches.
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