UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas snared its 17th title after defeating University of the Philippines, 3-1, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s tennis finals at Colegio San Agustin hardcourt in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on Sunday.

The Male Tennisters secured the crown after Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines prevailed over Miguel Iglupas and Raymund Goco, 6-4, 6-3.

UP took a 1-0 lead when Loucas Fernandez conquered Evan Bacalso, 6-1, 6-2, but UST tied following Christopher Sonsona’s 6-4, 6-1 win over Heinz Carbonilla.

Ericjay Tangub outplayed Lance Fernandez, 6-3, 6-2, to give UST a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five tie.

“Blessed. That’s all we really pray for, to be champions again. We deserve to win but it’s really hard, so all I can say is, thank you, Lord, and I’m so blessed,” Tangub, the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), said.

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

“It’s a great feeling because the team knows how hard we worked this season. It was really hard to win the championship but I’m also proud of the team because they didn’t give up,” coach Alexander Diego said.

“So I think their mindset and their hard work … and everyone’s team effort [contributed] to today’s win. Our Finals appearances for the last three years have been a big help for the pressure, they know how to handle it because they’re used to it. So it’s a very big help for the seniors.”

UST finished the elimination round tied with Season 87 champion National University (9-3) and won a playoff to secure the twice-to-beat advantage.

In the Finals, UST took Game 1 (3-0) but UP won Game 2 (3-2) to force the winner-take-all duel.

University of the East’s JB Aguilar was named season MVP while UP’s Carl Tan bagged the Rookie of the Year award.

Meanwhile, UE tallied 39.287 points across the three events (singles, doubles and team) to rule the inaugural boys’ division.

NU (35.925 points) and Ateneo de Manila University (27.581 points) were second and third, respectively.

NU earlier reclaimed the women’s title with a sweep of UP. Elsie Abarquez shared MVP honors with UST’s Kaye Emana, while UP’s Marielle Jarata was named Rookie of the Year.

Abarquez also won the Finals MVP award.

NU has now won eight of the last 10 women’s finals, with UST ruling the other two (Seasons 80 and 87).(PNA)