UAAP: Lady Tennisters fail to defend crown, fall to NU

The DLSU Lady Tennisters finished as first runner-up in UAAP Season 76 after they were defeated in the best-of-three finals by NU, 2-1. Champions a year ago, the ladies from Taft pushed NU to the limit as the championship was decided in the very last match-up. The Green-and-White squad lost 3-2 in the third game of the three game duel after winning game one, 3-2, and losing game two, 3-1.

Game 1

Lady Tennister Marinel Rudas started the finals with a win against Jzash Canja of NU, 6-4 and 5-0. Rachelle de Guzman followed the run with a tough three-set win against NU’s Hannah Espinosa, 6-7, 6-2, and 3-0. La Salle suffered a blow at the start of the doubles matches, losing both in frail fashion.

La Salle’s Regina Santiago gave the final touch as she won over Anna Patrimonio in a thrilling three-set match with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, and 6-3. La Salle took Game 1, 3-2.

Game 2

The Lady Tennisters took a step back as they fell behind NU with a final score of 3-1. Only Santiago was able to grab a win for the Green-and-White as she beat Anna Patrimonio.

The Bulldogs showed their dominance throughout Game 2, including a sweep in a doubles match between La Salle’s duo of Lynette Palasan and Pauline Cacapit. NU evened up the series with the win.

Game 3

In their fifth meeting this season, the tandem of Palasan and Dasha Bautista failed in the first match, 6-0 and 6-2. On the other hand, Santiago and Rudas won in their respective singles matches, 3-6, 6-4, ret and 6-0, 6-4. The early wins gave DLSU a commanding 2-1 edge, moving them just a win away from defending their title. NU, who tied with DLSU for first place during the eliminations, stormed back to win the next doubles match to beat Princess Castillo and Nikki Arandia. The battle for the coveted trophy went down the wire as de Guzman had the last chance for DLSU. The pressure was mounted against her though and she fell, 6-4 and 6-2.

Despite the runner-up finish, the Lady Tennisters will remain a force to be reckoned with for many years to come. The rookie-filled team now have another year under their belts and will definitely be seeking to reclaim their throne next season.