WINNERS of five of the Last six UAAP titles, the UST Lady Judokas hope to extend their dominant run as the new season opens in November.
Following a landslide victory over the University of the East for their second straight crown in Season 78, the team still has an intact lineup with team captain Tracy Honorio, reigning MVP Khrizzie Pabulayan, Rookie of the Year Miam Salvador and Lei Tolentino.
But head coach Gerard Arce is bothered by the new pointing system, even if UST had a stunning 62-point gap over UE in the previous season.
The previous point system, which awards 10 points for gold, five for silver and two for bronze is now reduced to seven, three, and one, respectively.
Ateneo de Manila University has been pushing for the rule change since Season 77.
“The expectations are high but our mindset is like we are hungry to win and to achieve more,” Arce told the Varsitarian in an interview.
The new rule will affect none of his players if they have the will to win, Arce said.
The six-year coach also said the team is under rigid training, focusing mostly on their Tachiwaza (throwing techniques), Newaza (ground techniques) and Kumikata (gripping methods).
The Judokas’ dojo, their training hall, proved to be a forge for champions as Arce noticed more players starting from scratch than when he had just taken over the team in 2011—the time they won the first chip of their three-peat.
Last season, the Lady Judokas bagged six gold medals, four silvers and three bronzes, including a three all-Thomasian championship matches.
With their dominance, team captain Honorio is confident of defending their title.
“We train everyday even on weekends. We double our effort to make sure that we win the championship and of course Coach Arce is there to guide us along the way,” she said.
