Verdad, Patrimonio sisters lead NU's championship double bid

MANILA, Philippines -- National University completed a 10-game sweep in the men's division and topped the women's side at the end of the UAAP Season 77 lawn tennis eliminations over the weekend at the Olivarez Sports Center.       

Behind reigning MVP Fritz Verdad, the Bulldogs gained the twice-to-beat incentive in the Finals after blanking last season's runner-up University of the Philippines, 5-0, extending their unbeaten streak to 32 games.  

NU will face second-ranked University of Santo Tomas, which finished the double-round elims with a 7-3 record, in the championship round which has yet to be announced. The Bulldogs need only to win once to complete a three-peat.       
      
NU is on track for another championship double, as the Lady Bulldogs, with sisters Season 76 MVP Christine and Clarice Patrimonio, leading the way, wound up first with a 7-1 slate capped by a 4-1 win over the Lady Maroons.      
      
In the best-of-three Finals, NU will face either De La Salle or UST, who will clash in a do-or-die playoff for the No. 2 spot.    
     
With Rachelle de Guzman, Nikki Arandia and Marinel Rudas all victorious in singles play, the Lady Archers beat the Tigresses, 3-2, to tie their victims in second place at 5-3.