MANILA, April 5 -- Defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) clinched the first finals berth in the UAAP Season 87 men's tennis after dominating University of the East (UE), 4-1, in the semifinals at Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila on Saturday.

Ericjay Tangub delivered UST's initial point when he conquered Gerald Gemida, 6-1, 6-4, but UE tied after JB Aguilar turned back Sebastian Santos, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Nilo Ledama rallied past Marc Nicole Suson, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2; Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines downed Mark Dave Palanas and RJ Baje, 6-0, 6-2; and Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan sealed the Growling Tigers' win after Kent Morales and Kiz Bryan Cinco retired with UST up, 6-1, 0-2.

"We're h...