MANILA – University of Santo Tomas (UST) pulled off a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champion National University (NU) on Saturday, securing the first UAAP Season 87 women’s tennis finals slot.

Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja defeated Kolin Cornell and Jasmine Jaran, 6-1, 6-3, in the second doubles match to seal UST’s win at Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila.

The Female Tennisters, runners-up to the Lady Bulldogs last year, secured the top spot at 6-1 and the first championship berth.

The Lady Bulldogs absorbed their first defeat and dropped to second at 5-1.

"We're happy that for the second straight UAAP season, we're back in the finals. Not only that, but we also defeated the team to beat -- the defending champion. The players had it in their minds that if they could do it, they would. For the second time in the finals... it feels like it all boils down to who wants to win more," UST coach Dennis Sta. Cruz said in a news release Sunday.

Kaye Emana beat Elsie Abarquez, 6-2, 6-2, and Mica Emana downed JM Carcueva, 6-3, 6-3, to give UST a 2-0 lead.

NU fought back with Danna Abad defeating Patricia Lim, 6-0, 7-5, and Adeline Abadia and Rovie Baulete overpowering Debbie Gom-os and Judy Padilla, 6-1, 6-3.

As of posting time, UST is closing out its Round 2 schedule against De La Salle University at the same venue.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines (UP) kept its finals hopes alive by dominating Ateneo de Manila University, 4-1.

The Fighting Maroons improved to 4-3 for third place.

UP took a 2-0 lead after Jufe Cocoy blasted Chelsea Roque, 6-0, 6-0, and Glydel Guevarra defeated Audrey Ruiz, 6-1, 6-2.

Ateneo made it 1-2 when Althea Martirez downed Anica Cari, 6-4, 6-0, before Cheska Malaki and Debbie Prak beat Zaina Omar and Angela Buyante, 6-2, 6-0, and Jesha Cervantes and Joshea Malazarte trounced Reizel Coco and Adriana Cabahug, 6-0, 6-1, to wrap up the best-of-five tie.

In the men’s division, University of the East (UE) secured a Final Four berth with a 3-2 win over Ateneo. RJ Baje and Kent Morales clinched the victory by beating JB Cuarto and Aidyll Ignacio, 6-4, 6-2.

UE and UP are tied for third at 6-3, behind NU and UST (8-1).

UST blanked Adamson University, 5-0, while NU trounced La Salle, 4-1. (PNA)