Ariel Cabaral Makes History as First UAAP Boys' Singles Tennis Champion
In a landmark moment for collegiate sports, Ariel Cabaral of National University Nazareth School (NUNS) emerged victorious in the boys' singles finals of the UAAP Season 88 tennis tournament. The thrilling match took place at Colegio San Agustin in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, where Cabaral overcame Rafael Lagac of Ateneo de Manila University with a score of 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3 to secure the inaugural title.
A Dream Realized Through Perseverance and Faith
The 18-year-old from Negros expressed immense pride in his achievement, highlighting a lifelong goal inspired by his sister, Angela, a former UAAP player and gold medalist for the NU women's team. "It means a lot to me because this has been my goal since I was little," Cabaral said. "So it's an achievement for me because before, it was just a dream of mine, but now it has come true."
Reflecting on the pressure of the finals, Cabaral credited his faith and mental fortitude for the comeback win. "As a first-timer and as a proud NU Bulldog, we got the crown as [the] first UAAP juniors champion. I just trusted God and then I also trusted the shots because just like in the first set, I was really confused about what to do but I just told God to just guide me. I [overcame] the pressure and then I did what I had to do in the game," he added.
Doubles and Women's Division Highlights
In the doubles finals, University of the East's Kobi Luzon and Aser Delos Santos dominated their teammates Kyle Saga and Al Tristan Licayan with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory. Luzon shared insights into their strategy, noting, "We had less pressure because it was just us. We already knew our game. Besides, it's really different when you're here on the court. The expectations for the game are really different than when you're the one here. And that's all, just ask the Lord for guidance and just pray that I perform well in the game."
The women's division saw defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) maintain a strong lead, overpowering Ateneo 4-1. Key performances included:
- Kaye Emana defeating Angela Buyante 6-0, 6-1.
- Mica Emana outplaying Casey Padilla 6-3, 6-2.
- Justine Maneja and Christine Gulagula winning 6-3, 7-5 over Althea Martirez and Chelsea Roque.
Ateneo managed one win with Althea Ong's 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-2 victory over Kaye Mustaza, but UST sealed the tie as Judy Padilla and Princess Nichole Dela Rita routed Zaina Omar and Eloh Castolo 6-0, 6-0.
NU Lady Bulldogs Secure Comeback Victory
In another exciting match, National University's women's team avenged an earlier loss to De La Salle University with a 3-2 win. Adeline Abadia and Rovie Baulete were instrumental, outlasting Annika Diwa and Guysie Garrido 7-5, 4-6, 10-6. Other notable results included:
- Elsie Abarquez defeating Bea Gomez 6-0, 6-0.
- Maikee Vicencio tying with a 6-2, 6-2 win over AJ Acabo.
- Juliana Carvajal and Kolin Cornell winning 6-1, 6-3 over Amor Idjao and Chelsea Bernaldez.
La Salle's Angeline Alcala forced a rubber match by defeating JM Carcueva 6-3, 6-3, but NU ultimately improved to a 3-2 record for third place, while La Salle slid to fourth with a 2-3 slate. All results contribute to the overall championship tally, underscoring the competitive spirit of the UAAP tennis season.
