By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
National University is on the verge of claiming the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Tennis championship after securing a 3-1 victory over University of Santo Tomas in Game 1 of the Finals, Wednesday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.
The Lady Bulldogs are now just one win away from clinching their fourth consecutive title and eighth overall in this tournament also supported by Wilson Philippines.
They have the opportunity to seal the title in Game 2, set for 7:00 AM on Saturday at the same venue.
“‘Yung game plan talaga namin, ‘yung bawat player sinasabihan namin na kailangan laruin na nila ‘yung laro nila at saka mostly makadalawa kami sa singles… so sabi namin na huwag lang i-pressure ‘yung sarili. Total, sanay naman sila na nakarating sila finals. Kumbaga sa experience, medyo lamang kayo sabi ko, [so] laruin niyo lang ‘yung laro niyo,” said NU coach Ronard Joven.
“Iba kasi talaga ‘pag nakuha mo ‘yung Game 1 kasi nangyari na samin last year noong Game 1 natalo kami so iba ‘yung pressure na nabibigay ‘pag natalo ka ng Game 1. Ito ngayon kasi nanalo sila ng Game 1 so medyo mas mataas ‘yung confidence nila ngayon sa laro,” he added.
Rovie Baulete and Adi Abadia delivered the pivotal win in the series opener, defeating Judy Padilla and Debbie Gom-os 6-2, 6-2 in the first doubles match, giving the defending champions a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three final.
In a composed second singles outing, Jasmine Jaran outmaneuvered Patricia Lim 6-3, 6-4, claiming the opening point for the Lady Bulldogs.
In a spirited comeback, Kaye Emana bounced back after losing the first set, defeating Danna Abad 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the first singles match, putting UST back in the race.
However, Elsie Abarquez seized control of the third singles match, dismissing Mica Emana 6-3, 6-1 in straight sets, and giving NU a 2-1 lead in the tie.
