University of Santo Tomas’ Justine Hannah Maneja hits a forehand return during their match against National University in the UAAP Season 88 women’s tennis tournament at Colegio San Agustin hardcourt in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on Sunday (Feb. 22, 2026). The defending champion UST won, 4-1. (UAAP photo)
University of the Philippines continued its commanding start in the UAAP Season 88 women’s tennis tournament, crushing Ateneo de Manila University, 5-0, on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin hardcourt in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to remain unbeaten after three matches.
UP imposed its rhythm early in singles, with Maria Divinagracia outlasting Althea Ong, 6-1, 7-6(3), before Jufe Cocoy and Paula Uy followed with emphatic wins over Angela Buyante, 6-1, 6-1, and Judy Padilla, 6-1, 7-5, respectively.
The Fighting Maroons then turned the tie into a rout in doubles, as Joshea Malazarte and Glydel Guevarra delivered a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Chelsea Roque and Althea Martirez, while Marielle Jarata and Sydney Enriquez matched the feat against Zaina Omar and Eloh Castolo.
Elsewhere in the women’s draw, defending champion University of Santo Tomas flexed its depth with a 4-1 victory over National University. Minette Bentillo and Justine Hannah Maneja sealed the result in the second doubles match, edging Kolin Cornell and Juliana Carvajal, 6-3, 7-5, to lift UST into a share of second place at 2-1 alongside idle De La Salle University.
NU briefly found momentum when reigning MVP Kaye Ann Emana beat JM Carcueva, 6-4, 6-2, and Elsie Abarquez followed with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Mica Emana to level the tie. UST, however, regrouped behind victories from Kaye Mustaza over AJ Acabo, 6-1, 6-3, and the doubles pair of Judy Padilla and Princess Dela Rita, who outlasted Rovie Baulete and Adeline Abadia in a 6-4, 4-6, 10-2 super tiebreak. NU slipped to fourth place with a 1-2 record.
“Our motivation is no matter what happens, win or lose, do your best,” Maneja said. “A mistake is a mistake, so just play your game.”
In the men’s division, University of the East overwhelmed Adamson University, 4-1, while University of the Philippines dismantled La Salle, 5-0, to stay perfect through four matches. Defending champion National University edged UST, 3-2, to break their tie in the standings and climb to 3-1.