By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Defending champions National University (NU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) extended their unbeaten runs in the UAAP Season 87 tennis tournament after securing contrasting victories Monday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
NU rolled to its third win after surviving UST, 3-2, in the women’s division.
Elsie Abarquez and Kolin Cornell sealed the victory for the Lady Bulldogs, beating Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja, 6-4, 4-6, 10-7, in the second doubles match.
UST’s Kaye Emana defeated Jasmine Jaran 6-2, 6-3 in the first singles; NU’s JM Carcueva conquered Princess Dela Rita 6-1, 6-2 in the second singles; NU’s Danna Abad outlasted Mica Emana, 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 in the third singles; and UST’s Judy Padilla and Debbie Gom-os rallied past Rovie Baulete and Adeline Abadia, 7-6(5), 3-6, 10-6, in the first doubles.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines clobbered De La Salle University, 4-1, to improve its win-loss record to 2-1, tying UST for second place.
La Salle slid to 1-3 followed by Ateneo de Manila University (0-3).
In the men’s division, UST continued its dominance with a commanding 5-0 sweep over Ateneo, securing its fourth consecutive win.
Sebastian Santos whipped Gab Quintana, 6-0, 6-0, in the first singles; Ericjay Tangub won the second singles over Stefano Gurria, 6-2, 6-3; Nilo Ledama beat JD Velez, 6-2, 6-0, in the third singles; Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan outplayed JJ Llavore and Gian Camingue, 6-4, 6-4, in the first doubles; and Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines downed Aidyll Ignacio and JB Cuarto, 6-2, 7-5, in the second doubles.
Ateneo joined University of the Philippines in third place at 2-2.
In other results, NU trounced La Salle, 4-1, while University of the East clobbered Adamson University, 5-0.
The Bulldogs and the Red Warriors are tied for second place at 3-1. The Soaring Falcons fell to 1-4 followed by the Green Archers (0-5). (PNA)
