Lady Bulldogs near UAAP tennis crown

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UPPER HAND. National University's Adeline Abadia (left) and Rovie Baulate defeated UST's Judy Padilla and Debbie Gom-os, 6-2, 6-2, in the first doubles match in the UAAP Season 87 tennis finals at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila on Wednesday (April 9, 2025). The Lady Bulldogs won, 3-1, to lead the best-of-three title series. (UAAP photo)

MANILA – The National University (NU) downed the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 3-1, in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women's tennis best-of-three finals series at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Malate, Manila on Wednesday.

Rovie Baulete and Adeline Abadia clobbered Judy Padilla and Debbie Gom-os, 6-2, 6-2 in the first doubles match as the Lady Bulldogs moved to within a victory of claiming their fourth consecutive and eighth overall crown.

“Winning Game 1 is very important for our team, as it eases the pressure for the next game,” Baulete said after the match.

“It’s also crucial that we remain united and trust each other. The key is to stay focused on the game and trust that we can handle every match we face.”

Jasmin Jaran outplayed Patricia Lim, 6-3, 6-3, as NU took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five tie.

UST tied the score after Kaye Emana recovered a first-set loss to prevail over Danna Abad 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

The Lady Bulldogs made it 2-1 when Elsie Abarquez triumphed over Mica Emana 6-3, 6-1.

“Our game plan was for each player to just play their game. We also emphasized winning at least two singles matches. We told them not to put too much pressure on themselves. They’re used to being in the finals, so with their experience, they have the upper hand. I told them to just play their game," said NU head coach Ronard Joven.

“It’s different when you win Game 1, because last year we lost it, and the pressure really builds after that. But now, winning Game 1 gives them higher confidence going into Game 2."

Game 2 will be played at 7 a.m. on Saturday. (PNA)

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