By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — University of Santo Tomas extended its winning streak to five, overpowering De La Salle University, 4-1, to keep its title defense on track in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
The Female Tennisters improved to 5-1 to claim solo first place, while the Lady Tennisters fell to 2-5, eliminating them from Finals contention.
In the other tie, the National University Lady Bulldogs secured a crucial 3-2 triumph over the University of the Philippines to move into second place, just a tie behind the Female Tennisters and half a tie ahead of the Fighting Maroons in this tournament, also supported by Wilson Philippines.
Nichole Dela Rita and Judy Padilla rallied for a 2-6, 7-5, 10-5 win over Chelsea Bernaldez and Guysie Guardio in first doubles to seal the overall tie and UST’s fifth straight victory.
“After this game, naka 5-1 ang standing namin, so I guess medyo nakahinga. Medyo nabawasan ng pressure coming into the next game because ang tingin namin, we need one more win to secure the finals,” said UST head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz.
“Natalo na namin ang NU noong first round nang 4-1, pero hindi dapat ‘yun [dahilan para] maging kampante. Kung ano man ‘yung ginawa namin noong first round against NU, sana ituloy lang or i-elevate pa yung intensity,” he added, looking ahead to their Saturday matchup against the Lady Bulldogs, their Season 87 finals rival.
UST’s Mica Emana made quick work of Bea Gomez, 6-1, 6-1, in third singles to give the Golden Tigresses an early lead.
Lady Tennister Maikee Vicencio responded for DLSU, pulling one back with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Kaye Mustaza in first singles.
Kaye Emana then restored UST’s advantage, edging Angeline Alcala, 7-5, 7-5, in second singles.
UST pair Justine Maneja and Minette Bentillo secured the fourth point and closed out the tie with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Annika Diwa and Amor Idjao in second doubles.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
In the other tie, NU extended its streak to four straight wins after Rovie Baulete and Fil Kolin Cornell rose to the occasion in second doubles, defeating Maria Divinagracia and Marielle Jarata, 6-1, 6-2, to seal the victory.
Earlier, Elsie Abarquez delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-3 performance against Jufe Cocoy in first singles, handing the reigning MVP her first loss since Season 86 and giving NU an early edge.
Adeline Abadia then doubled the Lady Bulldogs’ advantage with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Glydel Guevarra.
UP, however, refused to go quietly. Paula Uy kept the Fighting Maroons in contention after overcoming JM Carcueva, 6-4, 7-5, in third singles.
Joshea Malazarte and Sydney Enriquez followed with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over NU’s Juliana Carvajal and AJ Acabo in first doubles, pushing the matchup to a deciding rubber.
