National University secured its third consecutive title in the UAAP Women’s Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center.
The Lady Bulldogs leaned once more on the heroics of Elise Abarquez to secure a third straight UAAP title after a 6-3, 6-0 conquest of Female Tennister Justine Maneja in the deciding singles match as the tie went to a truce at two matches apiece.
“That loss in the first tie, I think we needed that, para mapa-realize sa amin na kahit na-sweep namin ‘yung eliminations, pwede pa rin kaming matalo. And na-overcome namin ‘yung as a team,” said graduating team captain Mae Bornia.
Bornia and her trusted partner Alliah Ragunton, both playing in their last UAAP matches, set up the comeback after the opponents from España Boulevard threatened to take the title away with a 2-0 advantage.
Alexei Santos put UST in the lead with a huge 6-3, 6-2 victory over JM Carcueva in the opening singles match, before Rookie of the Year Kaye Emana doubled the cushion with a 6-4, 6-2 clinic against Angela Cabaral.
That would be all for the challengers as the second doubles pair set up Abarquez’s clincher in the crucial moment of the day.
Danna Abad, who steered NU past University of the Philippines in last year’s Finals series, pulled through in her second straight doubles assignment with Rovie Baulete to level the tie, 6-0, 6-4, against Minette Bentillo and Nicole Dela Rita.
Bornia and Ragunton’s efforts are rewarded as they were named co-MVPs for the season.
“Thankful kami sa mga seniors na nag-step up talaga sila to lead the team. Mahihirapan kami kasi after this season tatlo silang mawawala. But we will regroup, we will recruit, and let’s see what will happen next year,” said Lady Bulldogs’ head coach Ronald Joven.
This is NU’s seventh overall title in the sport.
