MANILA, Feb. 21 -- Ateneo de Manila University banked on rookie John David Velez to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 86 men's tennis tournament at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old native of Ormoc City rallied past Marc Suson, 6-4, 7-5, to carry the Blue Eagles to a 3-2 victory over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors.

"I lost several key players from last season, but I got new ones, which is a good thing," Ateneo head coach Gee Abacan said.

"When we play against UE, it's always been 3-2, not 4-1 nor 5-0; it's really hard. I'm happy that Velez won because imagine 6-0 in the first set and he got cramps," he added.

Despite facing a tough...