By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — University of the Philippines and National University hurdled separate foes to boost their respective UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Tennis Finals bids on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
UP bounced back from its first loss of the season last week with an intense 3-2 win over De La Salle University, reinforcing its hold on the top spot with a 4-1 record.
NU, meanwhile, made short work of Ateneo de Manila University, 5-0, extending its winning streak to three and improving to 4-2 in third place.
The Lady Tennisters dropped to 2-4 in fourth, while the Blue Eagles remained winless in six ties, effectively ending their Finals aspirations.
Rookie Maria Divinagracia rose to the occasion in a pressure-packed third singles clash, battling back to overcome Annika Diwa, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, and clinch the tie for the Fighting Maroons.
“Today, I just told them na don’t think of the outcome. Just be present on each court and then try to convert lang each point, and then let’s convert it to wins, individually and then as a group,” said UP head coach Jacob Lagman.
“It showed her experience. Maria [Divinagracia] is an experienced player outside of the UAAP. Ngayon, it really mattered kasi I think doon siya kumuha ng lakas. ‘Yung experience niya from her previous tournaments prior to UP. Very big win for her. Two-all, very crucial match para sa record, very happy na na-convert niya to a win.”
Jufe Cocoy opened the tie on a strong note for UP, dispatching Sophie Moreno, 6-3, 6-0, in second singles to hand the Fighting Maroons the early advantage.
DLSU responded in first singles, where Angeline Alcala pulled the Lady Archers level with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Paula Uy in the tournament also supported by Wilson.
In doubles, Lady Tennisters Guysie Guardo and Chelsea Bernaldez recovered from a first-set setback to outlast Sydney Enriquez and Anica Cari, 2-6, 6-4, 10-7, in first doubles.
Fighting Maroons Joshea Malazarte and Marielle Jarata staved off defeat, beating Maikee Vicencio and Amor Idjao, 6-1, 6-4, in second doubles to force a decider.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
In the other tie, Elsie Abarquez put the result beyond reach, steadying herself against Althea Ong for a 6-4, 6-2 win in second singles to clinch the tie for the Lady Bulldogs.
JM Carcueva gave the Lady Bulldogs a rousing start, overwhelming Angela Buyante, 6-1, 6-0, in third singles to draw first blood.
“As a senior and also captain, I’m always doing my best in every match na pine-play ko po, pero I’m also trusting my teammates po na they should also do their best and I know they’re always doing their best, so trusting each other mostly yung ginagawa namin ngayon,” said Carcueva.
Adeline Abadia widened the gap soon after, keeping Ateneo’s Cacai Padilla at bay for a 6-2, 6-3 triumph that moved the Lady Bulldogs within striking distance of victory.
NU carried the momentum into doubles play, where Rovie Baulete and Kolin Cornell shut out Zaina Omar and Eloh Castolo in second doubles, 6-0, 6-0.
Juliana Carvajal and AJ Acabo later capped the sweep with a 6-2, 6-3 decision in first doubles over Blue Eagles Althea Martirez and Chelsea Roque.
