At the start of UAAP Season 87, UST Female Tennisters head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz already knew of the type of roster he would be fielding — a rookie-laden, inexperienced group tasked with stepping up after the departure of key veterans.
Still, Sta. Cruz recognized a different kind of determination in this young team — one marked by fearlessness and grit. That resolve was on full display in the best-of-three finals against the NU Lady Bulldogs, where the Female Tennisters clawed back after dropping Game 1 to capture their first title since 2018.
Sta. Cruz credited the win to a complete team effort, with the Emana sisters, Kaye and Mica, emerging as UST’s brightest stars at the perfect time.
Kaye went undefeated in all her finals matches, while younger sister Mica clinched the title in Game 3 with a grueling 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 win over Danna Abad, handing the NU standout just her third loss of the season and dethroning the three-time champion NU.
“Well, the rookie of the year played a big role during this finals,” Sta. Cruz told the Varsitarian. “Supported by isa pang rookie na si Judy Padilla ng doubles, and of course, ‘yong second-year players, ‘yong isang doubles, the MVP Kaye Emana, and the graduating player Patricia Lim, delivered.”
“Talagang determined and hungry to win the title. ‘Yon ‘yong talagang nagdala sa kanila rito.”
Throughout the eliminations, the Female Tennisters found stability in Kaye, the Season 87 MVP, and the doubles duo of rookie Judy Padilla and veteran Debbie Gom-os.
Kaye went undefeated in all eight of her elimination matches, while Padilla and Gom-os posted a 7-1 record — five of those wins being match-clinchers.
Meanwhile, the top rookie Mica didn’t have as smooth a debut, finishing the eliminations with a 4-3 record. She also dropped her finals opener against NU’s Elsie Abarquez, 6-3, 6-1.
After being named Rookie of the Year, Mica credited her sister, coaches, and teammates for the confidence that helped her bounce back.
“Super special, kasi nakuha namin and nilaban ko talaga hanggang dulo, kasi ang dami ring nag-eexpect sa akin,” she said.
In her second year, Kaye has already collected two individual honors: Rookie of the Year in Season 86 and MVP in Season 87.
But she said she’s just getting started. Looking ahead, Kaye hopes to help UST — the league’s winningest team — add to its eight titles while continuing her own growth.
“Next year ulit,” Kaye said. “Next season, hoping ako na (makakuha) pa ng more awards.” with reports from Joaquin Edgardo A. Cortez
