NATIONAL University (NU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) successfully defended their respective championships in the women's and men's divisions at the conclusion of the UAAP Season 86 Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center.

The Lady Bulldogs leaned once more on the heroics of Elise Abarquez to secure a third straight UAAP title after a 6-3, 6-0 conquest of Female Tennister Justine Maneja in the deciding singles match as the tie went to a truce at two matches apiece.

"That loss in the first tie, I think we needed that as an eye opener," said graduating team captain Mae Bornia.

On the other hand, the Male Tennisters pulled the rug out from under the Ateneo de Manila University for a back-to-back championship with Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines dominating JJ Llavore and Stef Gurria, 6-4, 6-2, in the second doubles rubber.

Bornia and her trusted partner Alliah Ragunton, both playing in their last UAAP matches, set up the comeback after the opponents from España Boulevard threatened to take the title away with a 2-0 advantage.

Alexei Santos put UST in the lead with a huge 6-3, 6-2 victory over JM Carcueva in the opening singles match, before Rookie of the Year Kaye Emana doubled the cushion with a 6-4, 6-2 clinic against Angela Cabaral.

That would be all for the challengers as the second doubles pair set up Abarquez's clincher in the crucial moment of the day.

Danna Abad, who steered NU past University of the Philippines in last year's Finals series, pulled through in her second straight doubles assignment with Rovie Baulete to level the tie, 6-0, 6-4, against Minette Bentillo and Nicole de la Rita.

Bornia and Ragunton's efforts were rewarded as they were named co-MVPs for the season.

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