The UST Judokas made UAAP history after winning all four titles in both seniors’ and juniors’ division in the UAAP Season 79 judo tournament at the De La Salle Santiago Zobel gym in Alabang last Nov. 19 to 20.
UST became the first university in UAAP judo history to sweep all titles. The Judokas also bagged all championships in 2012 but the girls’ division was not introduced yet. The University had the chance to complete the feat last year but Ateneo de Manila University came to spoil the party by dethroning the Male Judokas.
The Lady Judokas scored 74 points to run away with their third straight title behind four gold, six silver and two bronze medals.
“[Our three-peat now] is a much satisfying feat since we have a mixed roster. During our first three-peat, we had a lineup full of seniors, but this time, we have newbies and veterans,” said coach Gerard Arce, who stirred the Lady Judokas to five championships.
“The performance is more impressive, we have a stacked lineup, more complete, and with it, we have a wider margin in points.”
Most Valuable Player Sueko Kinjho (-52 kg), KhrizziePabulayan (-48 kg), Miam Salvador (-44 kg) and Eunice Lucero (-63 kg) all took home gold medals while Mae Bayas (-48kg),
Alexis Belen (-44kg), Lorelei Tolentino (-57 kg), Ana Bernardino (-78 kg), Renielyn Castillo (+78 kg) and AislinnYap (-70 kg) pocketed silver. Tracy Jean Honorio and Jamaica Ponciano (-78 kg) settled for bronze.
Unlike their female counterparts who were already sure of the championship after a 30-point lead in the first day, the Male Judokas had to fight toe-to-toe with defending champions Ateneo to reclaim the title they won in 2014.
The Male Judokas finished Day 1 at second place behind the University of the Philippines before securing two gold, one silver and one bronze in Day 2 to come through as champions, edging Ateneo, 49-36. They had a total of four gold, one silver and three bronze medals in the two-day affair.
“Honestly, [this championship is] a bittersweet victory for us since we had players who lost in the medal matches, but rest assured everyone made their contributions from training [to the actual competitions], so for me everyone really did win,” former MVP and Male Judokas team captain Al Llamas said. “I wouldn’t ask for any other teammates or coach to share this championship with. They are the best.”
In the past two seasons, the Male Judokas have won only two gold medals combined but this year, they already doubled that tally as MVP Daryl Mercado (-55kg), Luis San Diego (-81kg), Dither Tablan (+100kg) and Al Llamas (-66kg) nabbed four gold medals.
Russell Lorenzo (-55kg) and Renzo Cazenas (-90kg)added a silver and bronze, respectively, for the Male Judokas.
