By Jean Malanum
MANILA – University of the East pocketed two more gold medals Monday night to rule the women’s division in the UAAP Season 88 fencing tournament at the Makati Coliseum.
UE defeated De La Salle University, 44-40, in the team epee final, and University of Santo Tomas, 46-42, in the team sabre final.
“It’s both happy and sad; happy because we got the championship back, but sad because it’s my last. So, I hope that in the next seasons, my teammates, I hope they don’t let go of this championship that we won,” said UE’s Queenie Dalmacio, who beat Kim Shaznee Tuy in their sabre duel.
UE settled for second to University of Santo Tomas in the girls division.
“They should still train; they shouldn’t give up. They shouldn’t let the championship go away again. I feel sorry for the girls, but I know they can get it back. Just fight,“ commented Dalmacio, who also earned a fourth MVP title.
Lia Gillana powered UST to a 45–39 victory in the sabre team final over UE, which was spearheaded by MVP Opao Cantantan.
“I felt overwhelmed, because all my hard work and effort paid off. Sometimes I even travel two hours after school, and back home, I’m doing my assignments. It was very hectic,” said Gillana.
The whole team was left in awe after achieving a first-ever title.
“It still hadn’t sunk in; it still feels unreal. Even though we already have the trophy,” said Gillana.
UE had won gold medals in the foil events last Sunday to dominate the men’s and boys’ divisions.
Winning three titles was a fitting tribute to program head Amat Canlas in his final season with UE.
“They should take care of the dynasty we started because this is not something that can be done lightly. We started from nothing, the roots of UE are deep and this is not something that can be done lightly as a champion,” said Canlas, who also serve as national team coach.
“From me until the present, our dynasty has continued. So when I leave, whoever replaces me, they should just continue,” he added.
Meanwhile, UP finished as runner-up in the women’s division with three gold, one silver and two bronze medals. Nana Carbonell won two golds in foil.
UST was third (0-2-2) followed by La Salle (0-2-1).
In the men’s division, La Salle finished second with a 1–2–3 record followed by UP (1–2–2).
UE ranked second in the girls division with a 3–1–3 card, while Ateneo made it to the podium for the first time with one silver and four bronzes.
Guest team PAREF Southridge had a runner-up finish in the boys’ division with a 1–0–2 slate followed by De La Salle Zobel (1–0–1). (PNA)
