Archers sweep Tigers, annex 3rd UAAP table tennis crown

MANILA, Philippines – Just like its women’s counterparts, De La Salle swept University of Santo Tomas in the finals to capture its third straight men’s title Thursday in the UAAP table tennis tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Green Archers turned back the Growling Tigers, 3-1, in the opener before escaping with a narrow 3-2 decision in Game 2 to clinch their fifth crown overall.

The success of its men’s team came after La Salle earlier took its second consecutive women’s tiara behind season MVP Ian Lariba and Rookie of the Year Emy Rose Dael.

The Green Archers’ Walden Ledesma took his second men’s MVP award in three years while his teammate Carlo Mateo bagged the top rookie honors.

It was La Salle’s second straight double championship in the sport.

The Junior Archers, meanwhile, also made a title sweep of the high school division.

De La Salle-Zobel on Friday nipped National University, 3-2, to rule the boys' section, with Elijah Yamson and Neo Angelo Laudato winning the MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, respectively.

The Junior Lady Archers earlier defeated University of the East in the championship series to become the first-ever girls division champion starring MVP Phoebe Jumamoy.