AN “OUT of shape” UST Lady Judokas pulled off an impressive 11-medal performance in the 3rd Philippine Sports Commision Women’s Martial Arts Festival in Pasig on Sunday.
The Judokas, who went back to training only last February after winning a second straight UAAP title in November, secured a medal in all weight classes except the -44 kg category.
“Marami pang flaws [ang team, at] malayo pa sa UAAP level. Hindi pa mataas ‘yung level ng laro ng ibang [kalaban]. Ine-expose ko lang sila para kahit papaano ma-practice,” UST head coach Gerard Arce told the Varsitarian in a post-game interview.
Miam Salvador (-48 kg), Khrizzie Pabulayan (-52 kg) and AC Yap (-78 kg) took the gold medal and bested their teammates Kimberly Pantoja, Rodesa Mae Bayas and Jamaika Ponciano, respectively, in their championship matches. Eunice Lucero added another gold medal after an Ippon victory in the -70 kg weight class.
Meanwhile, Risa de La Cruz (+78 kg) and Almira Ruiz (-63 kg) both settled for a silver medal. Lorelei Tolentino (-63 kg) and Nicole Ramores (-57) finished the tournament with bronze medals.
The Lady Judokas continued their impressive off-season run following their stint in the Hajime judo tournament last April 22, where UST grabbed six gold medals and a silver and a bronze in the juniors’ division, and three gold and four silvers in the seniors’ division.
