February 12, 2016, 7:56p.m. – The UST Tiger Fencers secured at least a first runner-up podium finish in the UAAP Season 78 fencing tournament after ending the third day with a three-medal haul at the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagle Gym Friday.
The Tiger Fencers took home a gold, a silver and a bronze each in the team events for a total of 3-1-2 gold-silver-bronze medal tally.
Noelito Jose, Dino Aribas, Dennis Gascon and Rodolfo Duterte secured UST’s gold in the men’s epee team event after defeating De La Salle University Green Archers, 45-39, in the semis and University of the East Red Warriors, 45-42, in the finals.
“Alam na nila gagawin nila. Kumpleto ang training so may tiwala sila sa sarili nila. Malakas talaga tayo sa epee,” UST epee coach Arman Bernal told the Varsitarian.
The men’s sabre team of Bonn Pascual, Matthew Domantay, Angelo Ramos and Jomar Echavez bowed down to UE in the semifinals, 21-45, for bronze.
In the women’s team foil event, Dyren Faith Peñaflor, Lady Racine Natividad, Kaithlyn Echavez and Anna Patricia Macaraig settled for silver after a lopsided 12-45 loss against the Red Warriors.
“‘Yung standing natin sa men’s, women’s, juniors, safe na tayo sa first runner up,” Bernal said.
In juniors play, Daniel Villanueva, Anthony Macaraig, Eric de Leon and Ricardo Fuenzalida, Jr. took the gold over UE.
The boys’ epee team of Zedric Estavillo, Timothy Gonzales, Jazz Gocon, Dave Pascual and girls’ foil team consisting of Fatima Domantay, Henesy Odulio, Hannah Alarcon and Francheska Yadao both succumbed to UE in the finals.
The men’s foil team, women’s epee and sabre team will end the four-day tournament tomorrow at the same venue.
