National University fashioned out a sweep of its weekend ties to remain unbeaten in the men’s division of the UAAP Season 81 lawn tennis tournament at the Colegio de San Agustin courts in City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
The Bulldogs topped University of Santo Tomas, 4-1, on Saturday and subdued defending two-time champion University of the East, 4-1, the following day to improve at 8-0.
With two weekends left, NU stayed on course for a double-round elimination sweep.
Ateneo extended its winning streak to five ties following a 4-1 romp of University of the Philippines.
The Blue Eagles kept within striking distance of the Bulldogs by raising their record to 6-2.
The Growling Tigers and the Red Warriors fell at 5-3 and 5-4, respectively, while the Fighting Maroons crashed out of the top four range with their fifth loss in nine ties.
In the women’s division, De La Salle prevailed over Ateneo, 4-1, to solidify its hold on the top spot with a 4-1 card.
NU edged UP, 3-2, to gain a piece of second place. The Lady Bulldogs are now level with the Lady Eagles at 3-3.
Titleholder UST, which was idle Sunday, sits in fourth spot with a 2-3 card.
Meanwhile, National University kept its Final Four hopes alive with an abbreviated 8-1 victory over University of the Philippines Monday in the softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Leila Tarroza had two RBIs and two hits, while Mery Ann Ramos also scored two RBIs to go with three hits as the Lady Bulldogs tied the Lady Maroons in fourth place at 6-6.
Later, Jam Arribas slammed a two-run homer in the third inning as De La Salle scored a masterful 7-0 win over University of Santo Tomas to claim the remaining semifinals bonus.
NU and UP will dispute the last Final Four slot on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the same Malate venue. The winner of the knockout match will face reigning eight-time champion Adamson University in the semifinals starting on Saturday.
The twice-to-beat Lady Batters (8-4) and the third-ranked Tigresses (7-5) collide again in the Final Four also on Saturday.
Already assured of the twice-to-beat incentive and the No. 4 ranking in the Final Four, the Lady Falcons were still on fire.
Arianne Vallestero and Princess Jurado homered as Adamson University carved out a 5-3 victory over already eliminations University of the East for a league-best 11-1 mark.
The Lady Warriors ended their season with a 3-9 slate in sixth place.