THE UST Tennisters kicked off their Season 87 tennis campaign with dominant victories in both men’s and women’s divisions at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Feb. 22 and 23.
Season 86 finalists UST Female Tennisters asserted their redemption bid with a commanding 4-1 victory over the DLSU Lady Tennisters.
UST rookie Mica Emana set the tone against DLSU’s Bea Gomez in the first singles match, 6-0, 6-2.
Her older sister, reigning Rookie of the Year Kaye Emana, staged a hard-fought comeback against Mikee Vicencio, 3-6, 6-3, 7(7)-6(1), in the second singles bout.
DLSU earned its lone point after Jam Madis outlasted UST’s Patricia Lim in the third singles match, 6-3, 6-4.
In the doubles category, UST’s pair of Debbie Gom-os and Juddy Ann Padilla outplayed DLSU’s Arriane Nillasca and Amor Lidjao, 6-1, 6-3.
Meanwhile, the duo of April Bentillo and Justine Maneja completed the rout for UST with a flawless 6-0, 6-0, sweep over Althea Liwag and Precious Miranda in the second doubles game.
The Female Tennisters will try to maintain their winning momentum when they go up against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, March 1, at the same venue.
In the men’s play, the defending champions UST Male Tennisters kickstarted their title defense with a 4-1 triumph over the UE Red Warriors.
Male Tennister Sebastian Santos outlasted Red Warrior Jarrel Edangga in a grueling first singles match., 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
UE leveled the score after John Aguilar edged UST’s Ericjay Tangub, 7-6, 3-6, 6-1, in the following singles duel.
Reigning MVP Nilo Ledama restored UST’s lead with a 6-4, 6-3, sweep against Marc Suson in the third singles match.
The UST tandem of Nash Agustines and Richard Bautista sealed the victory with a 6-2, 6-3, win over UE’s Kent Morales and Mark Palanas in the first doubles match.
Season 86 Finals MVP Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan took out Red Warriors Gerald Gemida and Kiz Cinco in the second doubles match, 6-4, 6-2, capping off the win.
The Male Tennisters will face the UP Fighting Maroons at the same venue on Wednesday, Feb. 26. F
