University of the Philippines’ (UP) Fighting Maroons reclaimed a UAAP women’s tennis finals slot as they upended the reigning University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses, 3-1, at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court, March 15.
UP’s Joshea Malazarte and Marielle Jarata secured the historic finals chance, nipping Judy Padilla and Nichole Dela Rita in a grueling 7-5, 4-6, 10-4 win during the first doubles.
The victory marked only the second championship appearance for the Diliman-based athletes in the history of the program.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Malazarte stated that their coaches reminded them to stay tough during the pressure-packed tiebreak, which the team considered their ‘favorite’ situation.
"Sinabihan lang namin ng coaches namin pagdating sa tiebreak is 'this is our favorite,' so parang sinabi niya na kung matibay 'yung loob niyo, mananalo tayo dito. Tinibayan lang namin 'yung loob namin,” said Malazarte.
The veteran netter also remarked that their mindset was to make their opponents work for every single point despite the emotional weight of the do-or-die match.
“Although may mga pressure moments, I think Maxie and I stayed composed lang talaga. Tsaka 'yung mindset lang namin na kapag naghihirap kami sa points, dapat paghirapan din ng kalaban namin 'yung puntos," she added.
Prior to that, Jufe Cocoy provided the Fighting Maroons’ early spark as she swept Mica Emana, 6-2, 6-2, in the opening singles tussle.
But the Growling Tigresses’ Kaye Emana equalized the record with a 6-3, 6-4 domination against Maria Divinagracia in the second singles fight.
However, Paula Uy restored the Fighting Maroons’ lead after fending off Kaye Mustaza in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 beatdown during the third singles rubber.
UP’s Sydney Enriquez and Anica Cari abandoned the second doubles match as they split the first two sets against Justine Maneja and Minette Bentillo, 2-6, 7-6(1).
With the wins, the Fighting Maroons finished the elimination round with a 6-2 standing to lead the pack in the Wilson Philippines-supported tourney.
University of the Philippines aims to challenge the top-seeded National University Lady Bulldogs in a best-of-three championship series for the Season 88 crown.
Written by Rain Rellora, Insight PH
Rain Rellora, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
