The UST Male and Lady Tennisters came out triumphant in their respective matches in the UAAP Season 86 tennis tournament on Saturday, March 23.

The Male Tennisters outlasted the NU Bulldogs in their men's matchup, 3-2, at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center to book their ticket for a title defense against last year's runners-up, the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Reigning MVP Nilo Ledama started with a 6-3, 6-4 thrashing of NU’s Jules Lazaro to give UST the lead while the España-based duo of Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines outgunned NU's Ibarra Ortega and Angil Balaoing, 6-4, 7-5 to give UST a 2-0 cushion.

The Bulldogs, however, won two consecutive matches sparked by a resilient stand from NU’s Vince Tugade who came from a set down to fend off Male Tennister Sebastian Santos in three sets, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.

Bulldogs' Allen Manlangit and Gab Bandoquillo dominated UST’s sibling duo of Steven and Christopher Sonsona, 6-2, 6-4, to ultimately tie things up for NU.

UST’s Ericjay Tangub then salvaged the Finals berth with a convincing 6-4, 6-1 win against Bulldog Miguel Vincencio in the tiebreaker match.

The Male Tennisters are set to square off against Ateneo on Saturday, April 3, at the same venue.

On the distaff side, the Lady Tennisters also secured a dominant 4-1 win at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex over the UP Fighting Maroons to book their spot to the finals in the afternoon affair.

The win meant they will have to overcome defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs in a best of three series.

UST young gun Kaye Emana made quick work of UP’s Jufe Cocoy 6-0, 6-3, to get the Lady Tennisters going with a 1-0 lead.

A 6-0, 6-3 win from Lady Tennister Alex Santos over an outplayed Renee Esteban eventually put UP in danger of elimination while Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja outclassed Fighting Maroons Anica Cari and Jonamil Prado 6-2, 6-0 to secure the victory for UST.

The UST duo of Debbie Gom-os and Miles Vitaliano also escaped against Joshea Malazarte and Jesha Cervantes in a three set tussle, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4.

Rachel Velez scored UP a consolation point after defeating UST’s Patricia LIm 6-2, 7-5.

The Lady Tennisters are set to joust for the title against the NU Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, April 3 at the same venue.