SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — In a rematch of last season’s championship showdown, defending champion University of Santo Tomas overpowered National University, 4-1, to claim a share of second place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
The tie was decided in the second doubles match, where Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja fended off a late surge from Kolin Cornell and Juliana Carvajal to secure a 6-3, 7-5 victory and seal the triumph for the Female Tennisters.
“Ang motivation lang namin is no matter what happens, win or lose, do your best. A mistake is a mistake, so just play your game na lang,” said Maneja.
“Itong match na ‘to, actually it’s a nostalgic experience, and it brings back memories from the last season. This was the goal that we wanted for last year, and we will just keep continuing it until we reach the finals.”
With the win, UST improved to 2-1, tying idle De La Salle University for second place, while the Lady Bulldogs absorbed their second straight loss to drop to 1-2 in fourth.
Kaye Emana set the tone for UST with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over JM Carcueva in first singles.
National University responded in second singles, as Elsie Abarquez pulled through with a 6-2, 6-4 win against Mica Emana to keep the Lady Bulldogs in contention.
With the tie knotted at 1-1, Kaye Mustaza stepped up and delivered a 6-1, 6-3 triumph over AJ Acabo to put UST back in front.
Although the outcome had already been decided, Judy Padilla and Princess Dela Rita stayed composed in first doubles, outlasting Rovie Baulete and Adeline Abadia, 6-4, 4-6, 10-2.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines extended its unbeaten run to three matches with a dominant 5-0 sweep of winless Ateneo de Manila University, maintaining its hold on the top spot in the tournament, which is also supported by Wilson.
Marielle Jarata and Sydney Enriquez made quick work of Zaina Omar and Eloh Castolo, posting a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory in second doubles to clinch the tie for the Fighting Maroons.
Earlier, Jufe Cocoy opened the scoring with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Angela Buyante in second singles, while Paula Uy followed with a hard-earned 6-1, 7-5 victory against Padilla in third singles.
Maria Divinagracia continued her strong form in first singles, edging Althea Ong, 6-1, 7-6(3), to keep Ateneo at bay.
Joshea Malazarte and Glydel Guevarra then put an emphatic end to the contest, sweeping Chelsea Roque and Althea Martirez, 6-0, 6-0, in first doubles.
