By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — University of the Philippines claimed back-to-back victories in dramatic fashion, edging debuting reigning champion University of Santo Tomas, 3-2, to take early control of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
With the tie hanging in the balance, the Fighting Maroons’ duo of Joshea Malazarte and Marielle Jarata held their nerve in a tense second-set tiebreak, outlasting Judy Padilla and Princess Dela Rita, 6-3, 7(7)-6(5), in the opening doubles match to secure the overall win for UP.
“Isa rin sa [mga rason na bumalik ako] kasi may mga bago kaming faces, mga teammates na magagaling din. Tsaka iba ‘yung parang puso ng team ngayon,” said UP returning senior Malazarte.
“Though second game pa lang namin pero ‘yung mga bagong mukha is… Alam mo ‘yung feeling na sobrang sarap maglaro? Kasi ‘yung mga bata, siyempre, senior na ako. Gusto kong manalo. ‘Yun yung reason ko rin.”
She went on, “Yung mindset lang namin ni [Marielle] is sinabihan ko lang din siya na bawat punto, kailangan muna nilang paghirapan kasi ‘yun din ‘yung ginagawa nila sa amin. Hindi kami bibigay ng puntos na basta-basta lang.
“We showed really good heart and mind this week. Nangangapa pa kami, pero alam namin na mas may ibubuga pa kami. Basta solid lang talaga kami nagsusuportahan sa isa’t isa.”
Reigning co-MVP Jufe Cocoy took command in second singles, dominating Kaye Mustaza, 6-0, 6-1. Paula Uy followed suit in first singles, defeating reigning Rookie of the Year Mica Emana, 6-4, 6-2, to give UP a firm grip on the tie.
UST fought back through reigning co-MVP Kaye Emana, who dispatched Maria Divinagracia, 6-2, 6-4. But UST’s Justine Maneja and Minette Bentillo countered in second doubles, overpowering Glydel Guevarra and Sydney Enriquez, leveling the tie with a 6-2, 6-4 victory.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, De La Salle University picked up its first win of the season, handing Ateneo De Manila University its second straight loss with a 4-1 triumph.
First doubles saw France Idjao and Chelsea Bernaldez dominate, securing the tie with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Zaina Omar and Eloh Castolo.
The Lady Tennisters wasted no time asserting control.
Maikee Vicencio stormed through third singles, 6-1, 6-2, against Althea Martirez, while Niña Alcala kept the pressure on with a 7-5, 6-1 first singles victory over Althea Ong, putting DLSU firmly ahead.
Angela Buyante gave Ateneo some consolation with a 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 second singles win over Beatrice Gomez. Guysie Guardo and Annika Diwa closed out women’s action with a 6-1, 6-2 win in second doubles, completing DLSU’s first triumph of the season.
