The reigning queens of UAAP women’s tennis are still unstoppable.
The National University Lady Bulldogs waylaid the De La Salle University Lady Green Tennisters, 4-1, and clinched their seventh straight win of the season, Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
“We tried experimenting on our doubles pairings, as well as to give exposure and experience to our young players,” shared head coach Karl Santamaria about how they had planned to use this tie in preparation for the Finals.
“We are in the finals and we have to try and find the best combination that we can possibly have come championship day.”
The plan worked, as the defending champions made full use of their experience to carve out a win.
Fed Cup campaigner Clarice Patrimonio dispatched Kiana Gacias in two love sets in the first singles match. Reigning Most Valuable Player Tin Patrimonio would not be outdone after also plucking a similar double bagel disposal of Kylla Orillosa.
Jzash Canja, who is nursing a bruised left foot, still delivered after partnering with Zaza Paulino and sweeping Jenni Dizon and Chang Atangan, 6-4, 6-0, in the first doubles match.
In the other doubles match, Goldie Nagret and Apol Polito bounced back from disappointing performances in the prior tie and outworked Princess Castillo and Jed Aquino, 6-1, 6-3.
Only Rachelle De Guzman emerged victorious for the 1-6 Taft-based squad after sweeping rookie Annie Tumanda, 6-0, 6-2.
The Lady Bulldogs (7-0) will close out their elimination round assignments with the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (2-4) on Sunday, March 12, at 12pm. Before that tie, the Lady Green Tennisters will face archrivals Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles (1-5) at 8am.
