NU sweeps second round to earn Women's Tennis final spot

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women's Tennis Standings
*NU 6-2
UST 5-2
UP 5-2
ˣDLSU 2-5
ˣAteneo 0-7

*- Finals
ˣ - Eliminated

Ties on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - AdU vs. UP (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - DLSU vs. NU (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - UST vs. UE (Men's)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. DLSU (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - UP vs. UST (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. SRG (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - UE vs. UST (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - NUNS vs. DLSZ (Boys’)

National University booked its ninth UAAP Collegiate Women’s Tennis Finals appearance in 10 seasons after edging defending champion University of Santo Tomas, 3-2, on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

Riding an unbeaten second-round run, the Lady Bulldogs closed the eliminations with a 6-2 record to secure the top seed.

Meanwhile, the UST Female Tennisters fell to 5-2, tied with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who defeated the Ateneo Blue Eagles 4-1 in the other tie for the day in this tournament also supported by Wilson Philippines.

These results set up a high-stakes clash at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday between UP and UST, with the remaining finals berth on the line.

Rovie Baulete and Kolin Cornell delivered the decisive point for NU, overcoming Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja, 7-6(3), 6-4, in a hard-fought second doubles match to propel the Lady Bulldogs to their fourth straight finals appearance.

“Sobrang saya po kasi ‘yung sa first round namin, nasa rank four yata kami. Dalawa talo namin noon eh, so ginawa namin ay ginapang namin talaga sa training,” said NU’s Baulete.

“Sobrang saya kasi sa second round po, wala kaming talo. Nagkaisa po kami ng team and [thankful] din po sa mga coaches din namin kasi nandiyan sila gumagabay sa amin, ‘di nila kami pinabayaan.”

NU struck first as JM Carcueva dominated Kaye Mustaza, 6-0, 6-2, in the opening singles match. Elsie Abarquez soon doubled the Lady Bulldogs’ lead with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mica Emana in third singles.

UST fought back behind last season's co-Finals MVP Kaye Emana, who extended her unbeaten singles run with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 win over Adeline Abadia in second singles.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Judy Padilla and Nichole Dela Rita kept the Female Tennisters alive, defeating Juliana Carvajal and AJ Acabo, 6-3, 6-2, in second doubles to send the tie to a winner-take-all decider.

In the UP-Ateneo match, Joshea Malazarte and Sidney Enriquez wasted no time in securing the victory, delivering a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over Eloh Castolo and Zaina Omar in second doubles.

UP seized the early momentum as Jufe Cocoy overpowered Althea Martirez, 6-1, 6-1, in second singles. Maria Divinagracia kept the run going with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Cacai Padilla in third singles, doubling the Fighting Maroons’ lead.

Ateneo responded through Althea Ong, who defeated Marielle Jarata, 6-2, 6-3, in first singles.

UP later tightened its grip on the tie as Anica Cari and Paula Uy cruised past Chelsea Roque and Angela Buyante, 6-1, 6-0, in first doubles.

Ateneo remains winless after seven ties and will take on fellow also-ran archrival De La Salle University in its season finale.

Casiey Dongallo out for remainder of UAAP Season 88

c/o UAAP

The University of the Philippines announced on Saturday that Casiey Dongallo will be sidelined for the remainder of the UAAP Season 88, as it was confirmed that she incurred ACL and meniscus tears on her left knee.

Dongallo suffered the injury during the first set of the Fighting Maroons' match against Far Eastern University last week, incurring it on a bad landing following her fourth point and necessitating assistance off the court and into the team dugout.

She had been on a recent roll before this interruption, managing a twenty-point performance against defending champions National University. 

It is expected that she will be ready in time for next season, which would turn out to be her final year after her transfer from the University of the East.

Head coach Fabio Menta says that the Cebuana's state of mind remains okay in spite of this development. He shares, "She's in a great mood. I'm surprised she never felt the desperation. She came to the (next) game, she comes to our training, still smiling."

Menta also says, "Now, we want to be optimistic. By late December or January next year, she'll be training again. Hopefully."

With Dongallo now sidelined, UP will regroup behind fellow UE transfer Jelai Gajero, as well as through the leadership of Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta.

Menta notes that the team needs to move forward, adds, "Casiey's a big loss, but the girls understand they need to do more now to compensate," he said. "The girls are ok. They're working and hopefully, we find the right adjustments. We are preparing hard to do our best."

UP is scheduled to conclude their first round campaign against Adamson on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as they seek to boost their record back up above .500 in their effort to end a decade-long postseason drought.

UP earns twice-to-beat advantage in men's tennis in triumph against UST

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men's Tennis Standings
**UP 10-1
*UST 8-3
*NU 8-3
*UE 7-4
DLSU 4-7
ADU 2-9
Ateneo 0-12

*- Final Four
**- Twice-to-beat advantage

Ties on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - AdU vs. UP (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - DLSU vs. NU (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - UST vs. UE (Men's)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. DLSU (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - UP vs. UST (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. SRG (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - UE vs. UST (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - NUNS vs. DLSZ (Boys’)

For the first time in program history, the University of the Philippines secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men's Tennis Final Four, avenging its first-round loss to University of Santo Tomas with a 4-1 win on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

The Fighting Maroons stretched their winning streak to six ties, staying atop the standings at 10-1, while the Male Tennisters saw their own six-tie streak snapped, falling to 8-3.

In the other tie, National University bounced back from its previous loss with a 3-2 victory over University of the East, bolstering its push for a twice-to-beat incentive.

The Bulldogs improved to 8-3, tying UST for second place, while the Red Warriors dropped to 7-4, remaining in fourth place.

Locked at 5-5 in the deciding tiebreak, Raymund Goco and Carl Tan surged ahead with a 5-1 closing run to defeat Evan Bacalso and Al-Zayeed Baid, 2-6, 6-2, 10-6, in first doubles, clinching the tie for UP.

“‘Di namin in-expect ‘yung game namin [kasi] very tough din ‘yung kalaban namin against UST, and binigay namin ‘yung best namin, not just sa doubles namin but also sa first games namin sa singles,” said UP’s Goco.

“It’s history for UP… so malaking bagay sa amin as players ngayon na nakuha namin ‘yung twice-to-beat sa semis,” he added. “Sa twice-to-beat namin… locked in pa rin kami. Focus pa rin on every point, and dapat first game pa lang kunin na namin para makapasok sa finals.”

Lance Fernandez gave UP the early edge, dispatching Sebastian Santos, 6-3, 6-1, in third singles. Loucas Fernandez then kept the Fighting Maroons in control with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Christopher Sonsona in second singles.

Ericjay Tangub kept UST within striking distance by bouncing back to beat Miguel Igupas, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, in first singles.

Andrei Jarata and Heinz Carbonilla closed out the tie with a 7-5, 5-7, 10-7 second doubles triumph over Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines.

Meanwhile, Christian Padilla and Miguel Vicencio stepped up for NU in second doubles, turning back RJ Baje and Kent Morales, 6-0, 3-6, 10-7, to secure the tie for the defending champions.

Andrei Padao set the pace for the Bulldogs with a dominant 6-0, 6-3 victory over Mark Dave Palanas in third singles.

JB Aguilar kept UE within reach after defeating Isaac Lim in second singles, 6-1, 6-2, but Alexis Acabo restored control for NU by dispatching Gerald Gemida, 6-4, 6-0, in first singles.

Despite the tie already being decided, Marc Suson and Allyson Cabanilla showed resilience for UE, recovering from a first-set setback to defeat Jules Lazaro and Angil Balaoing, 3-6, 6-2, 10-7, in first doubles.

Elsewhere, De La Salle University secured its fourth victory of the season with a 4-1 win over Ateneo de Manila University.

The Green Tennisters improved to 4-7 to stay in fifth place, while the Blue Eagles ended their campaign winless.

La Salle’s Miguel Misa and Kevin Garrido ensured the outcome in first doubles, dispatching JC Pabillore and JB Cuarto, 6-4, 6-4, to seal the tie.

EJ Geluz got La Salle off to a strong start with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Gabby Calilung in third singles, and JT Bernardo then overcame Vito Singson in second singles, 6-0, 6-1, giving the Green Tennisters a 2-0 advantage.

JD Velez provided a bright spot for Ateneo, turning back Yassan Al-Anazi, 6-2, 6-2, in first singles.

Green Tennisters Steven Yap and Fernando Po concluded the tie with a 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Gab Quintana and Lukas Yupangco in second doubles.

Filipinas seek last four bid in AFC Women's Asian Cup against Japan

c/o AFC

The Philippines is seeking to challenge the moment as they face Japan in the quarterfinals of the 2026 edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Sydney.

Kickoff is scheduled at Sunday, 1pm Manila time, at Stadium Australia, with the winner securing an automatic berth for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Filipinas were able to reach this stage after earning a 2-0 victory over Iran, as well as Japan's 4-0 win over Vietnam to conclude their respective pool play matches. As a result, the Philippines snagged the remaining spot for the two best third place teams via goal difference, and in the process, completes the postseason field.

In the pre-match press conference, gaffer Marc Torcaso expressed their team's excitement for their upcoming fixture, "It’s a privilege playing against some of the best teams here in Asia and around the world, in this tournament. Like Australia and South Korea, we look forward to this game."

He adds, "We look forward to this game, playing against the best players in the world, and probably one of the best teams in the world. The girls are excited."

Malea Cesar echoes same sentiment and sees this match as a proving ground for the Filipinas to show that they belong at this stage. She also shares, that their presence at this stage and platform serves as a motivation of all the girls back home to look up to, highlighting that "we're representing something so much bigger than just ourselves. We're representing the country... It's not just our dreams anymore, it's the dream of so many young girls out there."

Cesar adds that "communication and cohesion" will be key as they stick to the game plan against Japan.

With the Nadeshiko flashing their deadly form, scoring seventeen goals in topping Group C, Torcaso highlighted the need for the Filipinas to reflect the same kind of discipline that was the hallmark of their Group A matches against Australia and Korea Republic.

He notes, "The ultimate goal is to make the (Women's) World Cup and we're determined to get there, and we'll do what it takes to get there."

Australia has already sealed the first spot into the semifinals with their 2-1 victory over DPR Korea, with two more spots to be decided later today, as China tangles against Chinese-Taipei and Korea Republic against Uzbekistan.

All four losers of the quarterfinals will still have a shot at an automatic World Cup berth with two play-off matches slated within the coming week. Even with a play-off defeat, two teams will be given a chance to earn a bid through the inter-confederation play-offs.

Torcaso highlights the magnitude of the effort they put in for this tournament, acknowledging the team's responsibility "to make sure that every young girl in the Philippines or around the world wants to play for our national team for the long-term."

Although the match will take place in Australia, a watch party has been scheduled by the Philippine Football Federation in conjunction with SM. After their successful event at the MOA Sky for the Iran fixture during the AFC Women's Football Day last March 8, this time, it will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

UE renews quest towards UAAP fencing dominance

Khiane Felipe among those leading UE's charge. (c/o PFA)

Individual Events today at the Makati Coliseum
9 a.m.
Women's Foil
Boys' Epee
Men's Sabre

1 p.m.
Girls' Foil
Men's Epee
Boys' Sabre

Action in the piste is set to commence over the next few days at the Makati Coliseum, with the start of the UAAP Season 88 Fencing Championships.

Serving as the dominant school in this discipline, the University of the East is set to field another strong contingent, highlighted by its national team standouts in the senior and youth levels.

The Felipe brothers will lead the way in the men's division, with three-time MVP Shawn Nicollei Felipe set to compete in Epee and younger brother Khiane in Sabre on opening day.

Also set to assert his dominance is Anthony Concepcion, the younger sibling of former UAAP MVP CJ.

In explaining their excellence over the piste in the past decade, the fourth-year psychology major and three-time SEA Games participant shares, "I think it’s because of the fact that most of the UE fencers — former and current — have played or are now national team members." He adds, "That’s the program of the UE fencing team, for its fencers to always aim higher, be a member of the national team."

Serving as the main challengers against their quest for a 13-peat are a La Salle side led by defending men's individual sabre champion Christian Buenaventura and Edan Ensamtan, a UST squad relying on Adam Putian and Larco Cortez, an Ateneo unit led by Adam Aceron and Andre Agatep, and an up-and-coming UP side anchored on Calix Ho, Dexter Ramos, and Lorenzo Malvar.

The Women's side is set to be in a flux, as defending champions the University of Santo Tomas will not have last season's key individual awardees Janna Catantan and Alexa Larrazabal.

In their absence, it will be up to the Tuy siblings, Kim and Krystal to hold the fort, with Lady Bathan and Kate Sardenia tasked to carry the cudgels in Catantan's main foil disciple.

UE will rely on a veteran crew in their quest to reclaim the crown they lost narrowly last season, led by three-time MVP Queenie Dalmacio.

The fifth-year Lady Warrior says, "There is always pressure, but I’ve learned not to think about it. I know I’ve worked hard. We’re motivated. Together with my teammates, we want to get that team saber title back, and the women’s overall title back to UE."

Serving as key cogs in the UE machine are Andrea Matias and Jaymi delos Santos, with  

The sabre duo of Kaku dela Serna and Maiev Boy leads the cast for Ateneo, with La Salle relying on Cyrra Vergara, Krupskaya Ednilag, and Lady Sigua. UP completes the five-team field with Mariel Flores, Nana Carbonell, and Marga Tapales.

In the high school division, the Junior Warriors are seen as the biggest contenders, led by Sophia Catantan and James Lim.

A new challenger has emerged with the addition of PAREF-Southridge as a guest team, anchored on the leadership of Enrico Fuentes and Lucas Palafox.

Vito Coching and Martina Baccay lead the way for a La Salle-Zobel side that will miss youth standout Miyake Capina for this season, with Hannah Belarmino, Mairon Moulic, and Matthew General anchoring Ateneo. UPIS will have two participants this season with Mark De Lusong and Joseph Bantang in epee, while UST is set to field with Pau Fernandez and last season's Rookie of the Year Marian Castro, as well as Kathleen Tuy and Ma. Estelliah Gillana also a factor.

Seventh heaven for Arellano in NCAA Cheerleading

c/o NCAA

Arellano extended its reign in NCAA cheerleading to a seventh straight season on Thursday, with their triumph in the NCAA Season 101 Cheerleading Competition at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Chiefsquad topped the tournament, which is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with their aggregate score of 231 points. 

Head coach Lucky San Juan shared after their victory, "Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga bata ko, kung ‘di dahil sa kanila, ‘di magiging successful ‘tong seventh straight."

He adds, "Ito ‘yong challenge, kahit sabihin nating nanalo [ngayon], mahirap pa din para sa next year."

San Juan notes that the team remained unfazed with the additional pressure to defending their title, "Ang laki ng tiwala ko sa kanila. Sobra nilang inaral at nireview ‘yang mga ‘yan," he says.

The Chiefsquad will take home PhP 100k with this triumph, as they extend their reign since the NCAA's 92nd season back in 2017.

Completing the podium spots are the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Colegio de San Juan de Letran, in a repeat from last season.

The Perpsquad tallied 221 points to earn second place and nets PhP 75k, while the Letran Cheering Squad nipped Emilio Aguinaldo College for third with their total of 199.5 points and the PhP 50k cash prize.

SportsPlus, Dwight Ramos renew partnership

(From Left to Right: SportsPlus CEO - Andre Uy, Dwight Ramos, and Dwight's Sports Agent - PJ Pilares)

Fresh from recently becoming the Official Title Partner of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), SportsPlus—the country’s No. 1 sportsbook and Official Gaming Partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee—further boosts its support for Philippine basketball by formally renewing its partnership with Gilas Pilipinas ace player Dwight Ramos.

Underscoring SportsPlus’ long-term commitment to elevate Philippine sports, this partnership renewal extends the mutual trust and respect that began in August 2024 when Ramos first became SportsPlus’ brand ambassador. Since then, both parties have built a relationship grounded in professionalism and purpose—values they consistently uphold on and off the court.

Recently, Ramos turned in a career-best campaign in the Japan B-League, posting standout numbers for Levanga Hokkaido before rejoining Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, where the national basketball team are once again representing the country on the international stage.

Since committing to the national team, Ramos has consistently answered the call, embracing the responsibility that comes with competing against the region’s best. Ramos has suited up in multiple major tournaments including the 2021 & 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he was also initially named the 21-man training pool and later secured a spot in the final 12-man roster and the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. He also played a key role in Gilas Pilipinas’ historic gold medal run at the 2022 Asian Games—the country’s first men’s basketball gold in over six decades.

“As long as my body allows me to compete at my best and the team needs me, I’ll always be committed to playing for Gilas Pilipinas,” Ramos shared. “Playing for the Philippines is an honor that I don’t take for granted. Every time I step on the court for Gilas Pilipinas, I give it my all,” he added.

His renewed partnership with SportsPlus reflects that same discipline and drive. “I’m grateful for the continued trust of SportsPlus,” Ramos continued. “Our partnership goes beyond basketball. It’s about representing something bigger than ourselves. I’m excited to keep building a brand that truly supports Philippine sports.”

SportsPlus President & CEO Andre Uy also emphasized the importance of continuity in the partnership. “Dwight represents the best of what Philippine basketball stands for: hard work, integrity, and pride in representing the country,” he said. “From day one, this partnership has been built on trust and mutual respect. We’re proud to continue supporting Dwight as he competes at the highest level and inspires the next generation of Filipino athletes.”

The renewal also reinforces SportsPlus’ commitment to working with respected personalities and established sports institutions. The brand recently formalized its partnership with MPBL for the 2026 season as its Official Title Partner. During the signing at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong, MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao joined SportsPlus President & CEO Andre Uy, and MPBL Commissioner Emmerson Oreta, committing a shared goal of elevating professional basketball standards and creating more opportunities for Filipino athletes.

Fans can keep track of the continuing partnership journey between SportsPlus and Dwight Ramos. For the latest stories, game updates, and exclusive content, visit SportsPlus.ph and follow SportsPlus across its official social media platforms.