NU edges UP, moves on away from women's tennis crown

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — National University moved a step closer to reclaiming the UAAP Collegiate Women’s Tennis crown, outlasting University of the Philippines, 3-2, in a tense Game 1 of the Season 88 Finals on Wednesday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

With the narrow victory, the Lady Bulldogs are now on the brink of securing their eighth championship—and their first since Season 86 -- in this tournament supported by Wilson Philippines.

The Jhocson-based squad will have a chance to close out the series in Game 2, scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the same Bulacan venue.

The decisive point came from the tandem of Rovie Baulete and Kolin Cornell, who rose to the occasion in the first doubles match.

The pair survived a nerve-wracking opening-set tiebreak before pulling away for a 7-6(10), 6-4 victory over UP’s Anica Cari and Sydney Enriquez, sealing the overall win for NU.

“Importante po ito sa amin dahil po grabe 'yung pinaghirapan po namin during training, at also for our coaches po na masuklian po 'yung pag-guide nila samin during training, and for our teammates,” said Cornell.

“Para sa akin, importante po 'to dahil nandito na kami. 'Yung first round namin, sobrang down po kami. 'Di namin ini-expect na mapupunta po kami dito sa Finals. And also, kaya po nakapunta kami sa Finals, gapang po talaga, binigay namin lahat at sobrang importante dahil gusto po naming makuha po 'yung title dahil last season po, finalist lang po kami. Gusto naming makabawi po ngayon,” she added.

Adeline Abadia gave NU an early edge, defeating Paula Uy, 6-4, 6-2, in the second singles match.

Building on that momentum, Lady Bulldog Elsie Abarquez delivered in a three-set battle, overpowering Jufe Cocoy, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, in the third singles.

UP responded through Maria Divinagracia, who edged JM Carcueva in a tight first singles duel, 7-5, 6-4, to keep the Fighting Maroons within striking distance.

The Diliman-based side then evened the tie, as Joshea Malazarte and Marielle Jarata prevailed over Juliana Carvajal and AJ Acabo in the second doubles match, 6-4, 6-2, to force a winner-take-all decider.