THE UST Female Tennisters kept their title hopes alive after a crucial Game 2 victory over the NU Lady Bulldogs, 3-1, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s tennis finals on Saturday, April 12, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
UST forced a winner-take-all Game 3 on Sunday, April 13, at the same venue.
The pair of Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja sealed the victory for UST, overpowering NU’s JM Carcueva and Kollin Cornel, 6-3, 6-3, in the first doubles match.
“I just told them to play their game—there’s no tomorrow if we lose today,,” UST head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz told The Flame.
“They just need to maintain the same intensity they showed today,” he added.
Dana Abad initially put the Lady Bulldogs ahead, securing the first singles match against Female Tennister Debbie Gom-os, 6-4, 6-3.
UST tied the game at 1-all after NU’s Elsie Abarquez was forced to retire due to cramps following a 7-5 first-set win of Season 87 Rookie of the Year Mica Emana in the second singles match.
Newly-crowned Season 87 MVP Kaye Emana gave UST the lead after Jasmine Jara was forced to retire due to an ankle injury in the third singles match, 6-4, 6-5(ret.). F
