Defending champions UST Lady Judokas are looking to bag their fourth-straight UAAP title this season to become only the second team to accomplish this feat.
The University of the Philippines did it twice in 2002 and 2009 while UST fell short of a fourth title in 2013.
But the team will have to do it without Season 79 Most Valuable Player Sueko Kinjho, and gold medalists Eunice Lucero and Aislinn Yap, who all completed their playing years. “Gagampanan namin ang trabaho namin para saUniversity at sa goal na mapangalagaan [ang titulo] kasi hindi pwede na angkinin agad. Mas pressured kamingayon pero paghihirapan namin para ituloy ‘yung nasa atin na,” Lady Judokas head coach Gerard Arce told the Varsitarian.
In Season 76, the Lady Judokas crashed to fourth place with 25 points.
This year, Arce said the team’s rigid conditioning is focused on Newaza (ground techniques) and Tachiwaza (throwing techniques) to easily decide every match with a 20-second pin.
“A standing technique requires a lot of effort. Some attacks can only score a half-point and this opens a chance for the opponent to counter and defeat you. Whether it be standing or gripping, I always tell them to score best,” he said.
A balance of physical strength and mental toughness is the seven-year coach’s constant reminder for the team to have control over their opponents.
In her final playing year, team captain Lei Tolentino will lead the Lady Judokas with a stronger disposition of bringing the gold medal home.
“I have been a consistent medalist in the UAAP. This is not for me but for the whole team. Bukod sa pinakamalaking contribution sa points ang gold, mapapakita ko din na maaasahan nila ako bilang captain,” Tolentino said.
During the offseason, Tolentino snatched a silver medal in the Terengganu International Judo Championships last May 14, and a bronze medal in the Penang International Invitational Judo Championships last July 23, both held in Malaysia.
Tolentino was also a silver-medalist under the lightweight category last season and nabbed gold in the all-Thomasian championship match in Season 78.
With the judo tournament set to open in November, Arce said the team remained humble through the absence of a “star player” treatment, which also created mutual respect among the players.
“Judo is an individual sport, you cannot just label who is the strongest or weakest. Older players may have the experience and build but younger players have the energy. Mind your game and have no mercy,” said Arce.
The Lady Judokas will have an intact core this year, with former team captain Tracy Jean Honorio and Season 78 Most Valuable Player Khrizzie Pabulayan still playing.
Last Season 79, the Lady Judokas hauled three gold, three silver and four bronze medals, including three all-Thomasian championship matches.
