THE DEFENDING champions UST Female Tennisters saw their bid for a title repeat come to an end, settling for bronze in the UAAP Season 88 women’s tennis tournament on Sunday, March 15, at the Collegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court.
After breaking a seven-year title drought last season, the Emana sisters-led UST squad absorbed a 3-1 playoff loss to the UP Fighting Maroons.
The last time the Female Tennisters settled for bronze in the tournament was in Season 85.
UP’s Jufe Cocoy struck first in the opening singles match, dropping last year’s Finals MVP and Rookie of the Year Mica Emana in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
UST bounced back in the second singles, with Season 87 MVP Kaye Emana outlasting Maria Divinagracia, 6-3, 6-4, to tie the game at 1-all.
The Maroons, however, regained the lead in the third singles match after Paula Uy downed Kaye Mustaza in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
In the first doubles bout, the UST pair of Judy Padilla and Nichole dela Rita dropped a three-set battle, 7-5, 4-6, 10-4, to Joshea Malazarte and Marielle Jarata, which ultimately gave UP the finals slot.
Meanwhile, Female Tennisters Justine Maneja and Minette Bentillo were found at a 1-1 tie with Sydney Enriquez and Anica Cari in the second doubles before it was abandoned.
The Female Tennisters finished their campaign with a 5-3 record. F – Michael Luke Ezekiel Bechaida
