SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — National University asserted its mastery over league-leading University of the Philippines, handing the Fighting Maroons their first loss, 3–2, at the close of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Tennis first round, Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin Tennis Court here.
Rovie Baulete and Collin Kornel sealed the victory in the deciding doubles match just as UP had rallied to level the contest at 2–2.
The win allowed NU to improve its standing and stay within striking distance of the leaders, while UP slipped to a 3–1 record — the same mark as reigning champion University of Santo Tomas.
The Lady Bulldogs remained in fourth place after absorbing a loss to De La Salle University the previous weekend, but this triumph placed them just one win behind UP and UST at the end of the first round.
Baulete and Kornel thwarted a comeback attempt by UP seniors Anica Cari and Sydney Enriquez, prevailing in a two-hour-and-five-minute marathon, 6–4, 4–6, 10–5, in the deciding super tiebreak.
Reigning co-MVP Jufe Cocoy initially gave UP the upper hand with a hard-fought 6–4, 7–5 victory over JM Carcueva.
However, NU quickly responded as Adeline Abadia defeated Maria Divinagracia, 6–1, 6–4, to even the tie.
Elsie Abarquez then pushed the Lady Bulldogs ahead with a commanding 6–4, 6–1 win over Paula Uy in the third singles match.
UP forced a winner-take-all doubles showdown after Joshea Malazarte and Marielle Jarata defeated Juliana Carvajal and AJ Acabo, 6–1, 6–4. But that proved to be the Fighting Maroons’ last hurrah, as NU ultimately ended their unbeaten run.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, UST closed the opening round with three straight victories to claim second place, including a narrow 3–2 decision over De La Salle University.
Justine Maneja and Minette Bentillo delivered in the clutch for the back-to-back-seeking Female Tennisters after Angeline Alcala forced a 2–2 deadlock.
The UST senior duo outlasted Lheslie Bernaldez and Amor Idjao in another super tiebreak thriller, 7–5, 5–7, 10–6.
DLSU threatened to pull off an upset as Mikee Vicencio and Alcala captured two of the three singles matches.
Vicencio tied the contest at one match apiece with a 6–0, 6–3 win over Kaye Mustaza, while Alcala equalized for the second and final time with a 6–2, 7–6(10) triumph.
However, Kaye Emana gave UST the lead with a dominant 6–0, 6–0 rout of Precious Miranda before Judy Ann Padilla and Princess Dela Rita sealed the victory with a 6–1, 6–1 win over Annika Diwa and Guysie Guado.
