Reigning champions National University Lady Bulldogs and University of Santo Tomas Male Tennisters reaffirmed their dominance over last season’s finals rivals in the UAAP Season 87 Tennis Tournament on Sunday, March 2, at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila.
The Lady Bulldogs edged out the UST Female Tennisters with a thrilling 3-2 victory, highlighted by Elsie Abarquez and Kolin Cornell’s 6-4, 4-6, 10-7 win over Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja in the decisive second doubles match.
UST took an early lead with Kaye Emana defeating NU’s Jasmine Jaran 6-2, 6-3 in the first singles match. However, JM Carcueva responded for the Lady Bulldogs, overpowering Princess Dela Rita 6-1, 6-2 in the second singles match.
NU’s Danna Abad then secured another crucial victory, outlasting UST’s Mica Emana in a grueling 7(7)-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 third singles match.
UST kept the contest alive in the first doubles match, with Judy Padilla and Debbie Gom-os prevailing over NU’s Rovie Baulete and Adeline Abadia, 7(7)-6(5), 3-6, 10-6. However, Abarquez and Cornell’s win in the second doubles sealed the tie for NU.
NU leads the standings with a 3-0 record, while UST dropped to second place.
Meanwhile, the UST Male Tennisters flexed their dominance against Ateneo with a 5-0 rout.
Ericjay Tangub capped the performance with a decisive 6-2, 6-3 win in the second singles match.
Sebastian Santos set the tone early with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over Blue Eagle Gab Quintana in the first singles match. UST’s Nilo Ledama continued the momentum with a 6-2, 6-0 triumph over Ateneo’s JD Velez in the third singles match.
The Male Tennisters further asserted control in the doubles matches. Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan overcame JJ Llavore and Gian Camingue, 6-4, 6-4, while Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines wrapped up the sweep with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Aidyll Ignacio and JB Cuarto.
UST remains unbeaten atop the standings with a 4-0 record, while Ateneo dropped to 2-2, tying with UP for fourth place.
